Hearing for ‘sober’ group home pushed to March

POTTSTOWN » A zoning hearing for a proposed group home on North Charlotte Street which had already been moved from December to January has been re-scheduled again.

According to information posted on the borough’s website, the Jan. 17 hearing for the property at 306 N. Charlotte St. “has been continued until March 21, at 7 p.m., at the request of the applicant.”

The zoning application was filed months ago by Carey Ballou and Shirley Borders for a “sober living facility” at the property.

Pottstown’s zoning ordinance allows “group homes by special exception.”

Additionally, the owners are seeking variances to the borough’s parking requirements.

The zoning ordinance requires four off-street parking spaces for the number of residents proposed and the building owners are seeking a variance to reduce that number to three or two spaces.

It is on this basis that borough council voted earlier this month to oppose the application.

Council discussed the matter in a closed-door executive session after the Dec. 6 council meeting. At the Dec. 11 meeting, council voted unanimously to send a letter to the zoning board opposing the application on the basis of parking.

Copies of the application are available for public inspection at the licensing and inspections department on the second floor of borough hall.

The hearing is open to the public and those affected will be given the opportunity to address the zoning board.