Neighbors oppose proposed men's sober‑living home; planning staff recommends denial

Stephens County planning staff told the Plan Commission that a conditional‑use permit for a proposed men's sober‑living home at Lots 2D and 2E in the Curraghy Point subdivision should be denied because the site lies within the watershed protection overlay and is not consistent with the comprehensive plan's recommended character for the area.

"Based on the character areas determined in the comprehensive plan and the criteria to consider for conditional uses, staff does recommend that the conditional use application be denied," the planning staff stated during the presentation. The recommendation cited section 59‑18‑o8 of the county code and the property's location in a low‑density, lakefront residential area.

Proponents including Ashley Bonds, who identified herself as a co‑owner of Forever Faithful Investments and a co‑founder of REM Sober Living, told the commission the proposal is not a medical rehabilitation facility but a faith‑based transitional living program with onsite supervision and counseling partnerships. "This is not a rehab facility. This is simply a place for people who are looking for…a safe space for them to live," Bonds said, adding that the program conducts background checks, drug testing and daily meetings.

Neighbors and other residents disputed the location. Ken Camp, a nearby resident, told the commission he first learned of the plan from a small sign and asked for statistics and vetting: "I want to know what the recidivism rate is," he said, asking for documented outcomes rather than assurances. Other opponents said the property sits close to family‑oriented recreational areas, raised worries about policing response time and said the proposal could depress property values in the single‑family neighborhood.

During rebuttal, proponents said the property owner group has security plans and counseling on contract, and they denied an opponent's assertion that an affiliated investment entity had regulatory penalties tied to their operation. Planning staff closed the public hearing; after discussion that the commission's role is limited to location and zoning, the commission voted to recommend denial. The recommendation will be transmitted to the full county commissioners, who are scheduled to consider the matter on May 27, 2025.

The commission's recommendation is advisory; the county commissioners have the final authority on conditional‑use permits and zoning changes.