Bel Air To Allow Only Non-Profit Group Homes

A will narrow the definition of families permitted under one roof to include only nonprofit group recovery homes.

Current development regulations permit all group recovery homes as long as they include eight people or fewer. With this number of people, the group home qualifies as a family under the current law.

A proposed ordinance would amend Bel Air development regulations and limit these residential treatment facilities not only by number, but also to include only nonprofit, private facilities. For-profit facilities would no longer be permitted in town.

A public hearing is scheduled to take place .

Town officials say the proposed change is designed to make town regluations the same as those at the state level.

During the past few months, residents have consistently made appearances at town meetings to encourage town officials to take action and within a narrow radius in town.

The concerns surrounding group homes include a diminished small town feel where people know their neighbors and a negative impact to property values.

While town officials have said the is not related to these concerns, it could potentially impact the issue, although in what ways remains unclear.

told Patch in June that he is not sure how many—if any—of the approximately seven group homes in Bel Air are for-profit organizations.

In addition to the public hearing, a vote on the development change is likely, according to the agenda.

The Bel Air Board of Commissioners plans to hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 pm. July 16 in .

What are your thoughts on this issue? Will you participate in the public hearing tonight?