The controversial case of a proposed care home facility in the Barton Chapel neighborhood returned before the Augusta Planning Commission, Monday, after having been postponed last month amid complaints from neighbors.
Dorinda Anin-Amponsah had requested a special exception at 3602 Abbey Road, currently zoned One-family Residential (R-1A), to allow for the establishment of a personal care home serving six patients.
Monday, Anin-Amponsah told commissioners that since the previous meeting she had spoken with members of the surrounding community to explain her intentions at the property. Accompanying her was Toni Seals, a representative of the alternative living services (ALS) agency that is to aid in caring for the residents of the care home.
Residents attended to again expressed opposition to the establishment of a care home in the neighborhood.
“I also want to remind you that the community can also impart a litigation as well,” said neighboring homeowner Eric Gaines, alluding to when, during September’s meeting, Commissioner Donnie Smith had noted legal protections for care homes. “I need to understand why it is that the committee… would go in opposition of the community.”
Another nearby resident, Octavia Collins, contended that the prospective care home operation should not be allowed, as a business, to be in a residential area. Seales responded that in Georgia, a care home facility is still considered a personal residence with six or fewer people residing there.
All of the planning commissioners, save for Commissioners Zelwin Davis and Douglas Prince, voted in favor of the special exception, moving the item to the Augusta Commission.
A proposed development of single-family cottages near the Montclair neighborhood received a second vote of approval by the Planning Commission during Monday’s meeting.
A petition by Good News Church and Purpose Holdings LLC to rezone the former’s seven acres at 400 Warren Road got approval from the Planning Commission in August, but the Augusta Commission kicked the item back last month.
One neighboring complainant, Kathleen Kennedy, expressed concern that the development may affect her own property value, considering the 800-900 square feet size of the proposed home units.
Developer Nick Teske emphasized that the decision to design the development to consist of detached homes was due to input from earlier meetings with Montclair residents. The commissioners voted in favor of the request unanimously.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering general reporting for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com
