Public hearing set for 7 p.m. July 14
By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com
A Christian nonprofit organization based in Thomasville is seeking a conditional use permit to open a group home in Marston.
The issue is scheduled to come before the Richmond County Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment during a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina wants to own and operate a group home for single mothers and their children.
An aerial image of the residence donated to Baptist Children’s Homes of Thomasville. The Christian nonprofit is seeking a conditional use permit to turn the property into a group home for single mothers and their children.
“The transitional program provides a goal-focused living environment within a cottage setting,” Samuel Barefoot, the agency’s senior vice president, wrote on the CUP application. “Family Care is structured to help mothers transition to a successful, independent living situation. This service will connect a mother and her family with the necessary resources and other community service needed to regain control of her life.”
The 1.89-acre property, located at 2455 Highway 1 across from Marston Road, includes an existing home that was donated in April to Baptist Children’s Home by Claudia Smith Robinette and the trust for Beverly Hunter Smith.
Representatives of Baptist Children’s Home will need to persuade Board of Adjustment members that the granting of the conditional us permit:
* Will not materially endanger the public health or safety if located according to the plan submitted and approved;
* That the use meets all required conditions and specifications;
* That the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property, or that th use is a public necessity;
* That the location and character of the use, if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved, will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and in gnarl conformity with the Richmond County Land Use Plan.
Specifically for group homes, the land use plan requires that “the intent is … for this type of facility to blend in and become a part of the residential landscape.”
In consideration of being a good neighbor, the plan also insists that “lighting must be directed away from adjacent property owners and roadways.”
According to its website, BCH serves all of North Carolina through 24 facilities. The closest is a residential wilderness camp in Aberdeen that serves girls and their families.
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