The Augusta Planning Commission considered two related requests for a proposed transition home that proved contentious during its November meeting, Monday afternoon.
Mary Ross and Richard Makerson petitioned to rezone their property at 1033 Moseley Road from Agricultural to R-3B Multi-family residential, and filed for a special exception for their accompanying parcels at 1015, 1027 and 1029 Moseley Road — already zoned R-3B — to set up a lodging home. The tracts total under five acres.
Ross, a mental health nurse, aims to establish a boarding house for women, aged 18-21, who have aged out of the foster care system or are otherwise facing homelessness. Her planned transitional housing and health program would include career counseling and life skills mentorship.
An assembly of residents from the nearby Piney Grove neighborhood attended the meeting to oppose both petitions. Neighboring resident Amanda Anderson, acting as spokesperson for the group, cited a host of concerns about the project, ranging from increased foot traffic, and limited resources and access to transportation for the young women housed, due to the rural nature of the area.
“I cannot see women put out there in the middle of nowhere,” Anderson said. “They’re going to go stir crazy, and statistics show that at a transitional house, a majority of the women … do not like the stagnant rules that are put on them, so they leave the facilities, and they create homeless encampments within the community.”
Alluding to her own experience in healthcare and managing similar establishments, Ross responded to Anderson’s objections, as well as questions from several of the commissioners, noting that her program would entail a robust screening process and case management system, and supervision for the up to 10 young women by counselors and caregivers, including herself.
“No one is being forced,” said Ross. “As a young adult, I had to figure out life. It didn’t go so well for me. I wish I had guidance, someone who helped me learn the things that I want to teach them.”
Planning staff recommended denial of the rezoning of 1033 Moseley Road, as it is currently undeveloped, and to avoid expansion of the spot zoning for the other three properties. Staff also recommended denial for the special exception request.
The commissioners ultimately voted to deny the rezoning, with Commissioners Michael Owens and Robert Cooks abstaining, and Commissioners Jeffrey Pooser and Stephanie Clarke voting to approve.
The board ultimately voted to recommend approval of the special exception request to allow the establishment of the boarding house. This vote was initially split, with Commissioners Pooser, Owens, Douglas Prince, Debra Spencer and James O’Neal voting to approve; and Commissioners Clarke, Donnie Smith, Trisha Mallis and George McKnight voting against; and Cooks again abstaining.
Commission Chair Sonny Pittman broke the tie, voting to approve.
The item is slated to go before the Augusta Commission on Nov. 21.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
