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Council approves special use to allow transitional housing at 900 Barrels Ferry Road
Summary
The council approved an ordinance amendment and special‑use permit to allow a group residential transitional house for up to 10–12 individuals at 900 Barrels Ferry Road after testimony from the applicant and operator about staffing, supervision and community partnerships.
The Milledgeville City Council approved an amendment to the land development code and a special use that will allow a transitional group residence at 900 Barrels Ferry Road for up to 10–12 residents. The ordinance (O‑26‑05‑14) was read by caption and the zoning administrator reported that the planning and zoning commission had voted in favor; property owner Arlene Simmons and representatives for the proposed operator, Living Wells Foundation, described the facility as a supervised transitional center primarily for people returning from incarceration.
Hananiah Joel "HJ" Nicholas, founder and executive director of Living Wells Foundation, said the program will house 10–12 individuals with at least two staff on site at all times and will partner with outside providers for behavioral‑health and medical services. Nicholas said the facility will emphasize wraparound services and a program structure; "We—re not just giving them a place to live. There are also gonna be a program," he said. Council members asked about vetting, supervision, medication management and transportation; the applicant and partners described 24‑hour supervision, staff training and coordination with agencies including the Department of Community Affairs and re‑housing partnerships. After discussion, council voted to adopt the planning commission findings and approve the rezoning and special use.
