By Barbara Behrendt, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 8, 2010
BROOKSVILLE — While they acknowledged the growing need for shelter for Hernando County's homeless, the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday denied a request by Jericho Road Ministries to expand an existing shelter from six to 48 clients.
Neighbors voiced a variety of concerns including the size of the planned new facility and the types of clients that would be served there.
"I think 48 units are a little too much,'' said nearby property owner Charles Mixson, the county's former public works director.
Mixson also noted that part of the property was in a flood zone and that a congregate care home in a flood zone is a bad idea because clients don't have their own transportation and don't have a means of support.
"We have a lot of women and children in the neighborhood,'' said neighbor Janet Hehn, who was concerned that the clients, as described by Jericho Road executive director Bruce Gimbel, would include men with drug, alcohol and domestic abuse backgrounds.
Local businessman John Mitten urged planning commissioners to approve the expansion citing the growing need for the program. "You have an opportunity,'' he said.
But planning commissioners also had concerns.
"In my mind, this is an issue of public safety,'' said commission member Ron Caldi. He pointed out that the facility was near assisted living facilities and schools and in a residential neighborhood.
Gimbel countered that Jericho Road's existing shelter locations have not had any reported incidents in 10 years of operation. The nearness to the city of Brooksville was important because it meant that clients were closer to needed social services, including medical facilities and legal aid.
He also argued that programs he offers helps people who would have nowhere else to turn for help.
"If we don't have a facility like this, that would be more dangerous to the community,'' Gimbel said.
To seek another hearing before the planning commission, Gimbel must wait 12 months or he can petition for a hearing sooner. The County Commission also may hear the case if Gimbel appeals the decision.
