A split decision by the Sumter County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday could leave a drug rehabilitation program without a home.
The House of Hope Christian rehab center requested a zoning change and special use permit so the program could build a new facility on County Road 217 near Wildwood.
But neighbors opposed to the location turned out in force, persuading commissioners to vote down the zoning change. Earlier, they approved an amendment to change the comprehensive plan description from agricultural to commercial, a prerequisite for the zoning change.
On April 1, the county’s Zoning Adjustment Board voted down the proposed changes. But county development staff members recommended approval.
Without the commercial zoning, Gene Barton, of Helping Hands at New Covenant Methodist Church, said the program may end.
“We will have to make the choice of folding up this ministry,” he said.
Barton said the property along CR 217 was found after a search of other possible locations in the area.
About 100 men have completed the program successfully over the past five years. The new location would serve up to 40 men at a time.
“The program works and our students are working hard to go home to their families,” said Mary Starkey.
House of Hope must leave its current location south of State Road 44 near the Sparr Building and Farm Supply store by July 1 because the property was acquired by The Villages from Hope Lutheran Church.
The CR 217 neighborhood is a rural area just west of the Wildwood city limits and north of State Road 44A. Some residents say their families have lived in the area for seven generations.
Residents said they were concerned about their safety if the program moved into their neighborhood.
“Parents are very upset that this could be happening,” said Teresa Baker. “Our grandchildren play in the yard. They wouldn’t get to do that anymore.”
David Adams said the program is not a good fit for the neighborhood.
“We’re not opposed to the program,” he said. “We’re against the location.”
Agnes Adams said a proposed buffer shielding the facility from her home wouldn’t matter.
“I don’t care how much of a buffer of trees you have, there’s still going to be 20 to 30 addicted men,” she said.
After listening to more than an hour of testimony, commissioners said they could see no legal reason to deny the comprehensive plan amendment. But Commissioner Doug Gilpin said the light commercial zoning is not appropriate for a residential neighborhood, although he would consider neighborhood commercial zoning, which would allow uses such as a convenience store.
Commissioners denied the zoning change and did not vote on the request for a special use permit for the facility.