- Pleasant View residents oppose a proposed sober living facility for 14 men.
- Concerns include safety, infrastructure and lack of early community engagement by Rise Recovery.
- Planning Commission tabled the decision amid fears of discrimination claims and legal challenges.
PLEASANT VIEW — A proposal to convert a home into a sober living facility for 14 men drew a packed crowd and strong opposition at a Pleasant View Planning Commission meeting Wednesday night.
Dozens of residents filled the room, many saying they felt blindsided by the plan from Rise Recovery, LLC, the company seeking a conditional use permit for the property, located at 1330 West 3100 North. Several neighbors said they only recently learned of the proposal and wanted more time to understand its impact on their community. By law, the City said it is required to give 10 days' notice.
Braden Capner, who helped organize a petition reportedly signed by more than 500 residents, told commissioners he felt the process moved too quickly. "We just wish that we were engaged earlier," he said, adding that he does not believe the location is appropriate for such a facility.
Other residents raised concerns about safety, parking, and whether the home's infrastructure could support 14 adult men.
"There's not enough plumbing, infrastructure to support that many adult men," said resident Grace Anderson.
For neighbors like Jason Swift, whose backyard borders the property, the issue felt personal. "The thought of sober living residents being that close to my kids is very concerning," he said.
Commissioners emphasized that their authority is limited to land‑use considerations such as parking, noise, and fire codes. They also noted that federal fair housing and anti‑discrimination laws apply to sober living facilities, which can restrict how cities regulate them.
The attorney representing Rise Recovery warned that delaying a decision could open the city to discrimination claims. Still, commissioners said they needed additional time to review the application and did not feel it was a "delay."
In the end, the Planning Commission tabled the decision — a move many residents welcomed.
"It would be ideal if they table it and do more independent research," Swift said.
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