Milan Zoning Board reconvenes to discuss proposed rehabilitation center
MILAN, Tenn. — Several community members of Milan filled the city hall Monday for a zoning board meeting.
We’re following up on citizens in Milan coming forward to address safety concerns with a proposed rehabilitation center.
SEE ALSO: Milan residents express concern with proposed rehabilitation center
Joshua Arnold announced plans to lease to a 2nd chance opportunity facility alliance rehabilitation center in Milan in early October formally know as Wesley Fountain Place and Assisted Living.
Now, Arnold is back to speak with the Milan Zoning Board. His claim is that the current zoning ordinance, being “M1 Light Industrial” is in compliance with alliance operation.
He says he’s basing that on the Case Law Fair Housing Act which protects individuals no matter their age, religion, and disabilities along with additional categories.
“I did not feel that this is of similar use from an assisted living facility and that is would require rezoning and I guess that the question that Josh has is whether this board agrees with my interpretation,” said Building & Codes Director Byron Burns.
“It is customary that the city board of alderman follow the recommendation of the committee that made the opinion of the ordinance interpretation but that does not obligate me to step away. I may continue to pursue for the city to make a determination from a board of alderman,” said Arnold.
A contractor with the city of Milan who also stands in as counsel of the board gives his thoughts on Burns’ decision.
“Nobody on this board, me included, are attorneys here. That’s a legal question. What’s before this board: ‘Is your use allowed under the ordinance or not?’ And I know you’re counting that, yes, it is,” said Pillow.
“Not under that use but that this is conforming to what had already been operating there. But there again, correct me if I’m wrong Byron, your interpretation is that it is not,” said Arnold.
“Correct,” responded Burns.
The building & codes director takes on the role to deny same use operation with alliance.
“Jones, Joe Woodson, Jimmy Burgess, Morris Chandler. Four I’s motion carried,” said Burns.
“There are those that continually try to sensationalize things that I believe are not logically aligned with evidence that they say supports that it is dangerous,” said Arnold.
When we last spoke with owner David Webb of Alliance, he assured us of their seven-year track record of safe operation.
After a recent public forum for the community to voice concerns, Arnold tells us he’s taken everything into consideration and wants the city to make legal determination from a board of aldermen.
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