A three-person zoning board has decided to allow a group home for female veterans to operate on East Pearl Street in the city of Butler.
Two conditions were placed on the decision- including an eight-person limit on the number of residents at any time in the home, as well as the installation of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the structure. These conditions will be enforced by City Building and Zoning officials.
A standing-room only public hearing on the topic was held Tuesday morning in the Butler City Building. More than twenty people spoke, including several neighbors and veterans.
Concerns included the type of people this would bring into the area and if they would be dealing with drug and alcohol addictions; parking issues; and how this could affect property values of homes in the area.
People speaking in support of the home talked about how it’s important to help veterans; and that this has actually improved the area. The home was purchased last year by a Butler businessman after sitting vacant for at least two decades.
Major repairs have already taken place- including a new roof, new windows and sewer repairs.
The decision can now be appealed to the Butler County Court of Common Pleas within the next 30 days. If it is not, plans for the facility will move forward.
