Board grants residency exemption for petitioner Fred R. Cervantes at 5711 7th Avenue

The Offender Residency Board approved a petition on Aug. 8 allowing petitioner Fred R. Cervantes to reside at 5711 7th Avenue, Apartment 309 after a public hearing with no outside speakers. A board member moved to approve the placement, the motion was seconded and the board carried the motion by voice vote; board members and the chair each voiced "Aye."

Cervantes, who was listed on the agenda as the petitioner, told the board he is not working and is on Social Security/retirement benefits; he said he is 64 and will turn 65 next month while getting paperwork in order for Medicare. He described medical issues — "I've got a bulging, disc in my neck and my back is deteriorated" — and said he receives SSI disability and has MRIs scheduled. Cervantes said he has been living at The Blossom for about nine months and had been in prison for five years prior to moving to the plaza.

Board members questioned Cervantes about supervision and treatment. He said he is enrolled in an AODA program with Lakeside Behavioral, conducted by Zoom as a 25‑week program running through November, and that he completes breathalyzer checks four times a day. A board member noted the supervising authority had determined there was no further offender‑treatment requirement in the community; the board accepted that determination as part of the petition record.

The clerk explained a new form the petitioner had not received from his agent and reminded Cervantes he still needs to contact his alderman to complete the administrative process. The board approved the placement with the understanding the petitioner will follow up on the outstanding paperwork. The meeting adjourned shortly afterward.