Those in attendance at the Tuesday, Feb. 26, meeting for the North Webster Town Council listen to board member and on site manager Dave Baumgartner speak about the transitional housing for those who have completed addiction recovery proposed for the former location of The Lodge Motel.

NORTH WEBSTER — Normally a swift and efficient occasion, the North Webster Town Council meeting proved to be anything but for those in attendance. The council has no legal authority to make a decision regarding zoning as the town of North Webster falls under the county’s zoning ordinances.

The Tuesday, Feb. 26, meeting at the North Webster Community Center brought together residents of the town and interested parties to learn and discuss turning a former motel, The Lodge on SR 13, into housing for men who have completed am addiction recovery program.

Attorney Steve Synder spoke first explaining commercial zoning would remain but because The Lodge existed before zoning a special exception for use was being required. Chris Cotton and Joe Losee explained how the program for men would operate. It is not a recovery home but after care and follow up.

Residents of the property located at 811 S. Main St. (SR 13) would apply to live there after completion of a recognized recovery program and 30 days verifiable clean time. They must submit to initial and ongoing drug or alcohol screening and a criminal records check. Residents must not have a criminal record for sexual or violent offenses and must maintain full time employment or the equivalent.

They also must have ongoing verifiable participation in a recognized recovery program, undergo screening for mental illness with partner programs and follow the recommended course of treatment if applicable. They must attend weekly house meetings and commit to community service through volunteer activities and mentoring others.

The program will be filing for non-profit status and its partners include Rose Garden Recovery Community and A Bridge to Hope. Board members and advisors include Losee, Jessie Losee, RJ Nethaway, Dave Baumgartner, Cotton and Alan Frank. Baumgartner was introduced as the on site manager. Roger Korenstra introduced himself as the new owner of the property.

Those in attendance then asked questions and gave opinions. For the most part the exchange was polite and respectful. Questions ranged from recidivism rates to rent payment and would transportation be available. It would. Concern was expressed about changing the fabric of the small, resort community.

Renae Skaggs said, “I think the program is a good thing but I question the location. It would put a financial burden on our small community.” Others pointed out the property would be removed from the tax rolls, property values could go down and several bars and a liquor store are within sight and walking distance of the facility.

“I am proud of anyone who is choosing to do a program like this. We need to do something to combat addiction, which is an illness,” noted Melissa Cunningham. A speaker talked at length about Serenity House in Warsaw and Cotton pointed out this is a different type of program.

Commander Jeff Spicklemeier of North Webster American Legion Post 253 asked if rooms would be open for inspection and was answered in the affirmative and would the program be open to veterans, also a yes.

All who wanted to speak were given a chance to do so before Lisa Strombeck closed that portion of the meeting. The council will forward all the letters it has received to the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals but made no recommendation. The BZA meeting will be 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, Justice Building multipurpose room, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw.