Officials will consider a special request to operate a group home for female veterans in a residential area of Butler.
Robinwood Development would like to operate the transitional home at 401 East Pearl Street. The home was first proposed last year, and initially caused controversy as some city residents voiced concerns that this type of home, and its potential clients, would not be good for the neighborhood.
Butler City Councilman Jeff Smith says before the home can open, the operators need special approval from the city zoning board.
“They will have to demonstrate, or convince the board, that this project basically won’t endanger the public health or safety if it’s located there, meets all the zoning requirements, and is in general conformity of the comprehensive plan of the city,” Smith said in an interview with Butler Radio on Friday.
A public hearing will be held in two weeks- on Tuesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. inside the Butler City Building- before the board makes a decision. Anyone is welcome to attend and speak, and all property owners within 200 feet of the property will be notified of the hearing.
A Butler businessman- Dennis Baglier- purchased the home last year and started renovating it to potentially house up to 10 residents. Funding for the renovations came from federal grants and private donations.
When the home was first proposed, it was under the direction of an organization called “Robin’s Home,” which is named after a female veteran who served in the Army and was deployed in support of Desert Storm. After discharge, Robin had been receiving treatment for sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, and also required surgery for a medical condition. Robin passed away in January 2017 due to complications from the surgery.
Mary Chitwood, an organizer and volunteer with the group, spoke with Butler Radio last year and said at the time, there was no agency in Butler County providing emergency housing to homeless female veterans and their children.
“It’s supportive housing for female veterans and their children in need,” Chitwood said in an interview. “As long as the females are in the home and working on their goals that we helped set for them, then they can stay there until we’re able to transition them to permanent housing.”
The post City Zoning Board To Hear From Group Behind Proposed Home appeared first on ButlerRadio.com – Butler, PA.
