MINUTES August 27,2024 PAGE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Members Present Catherine Grech, Secretary, District 1 Jared Burner, Chairman, District3 William Turner, Vice Chairman, District 5 Susan! Kile, District 4 Members Absent Staff] Present Call to Order Chris. Adams, District 2 Cassie Richards Tracy Clatterbuck Chairman Burner called the August 27, 2024 Page County Planning Commission Work Session to order in the Board of Supervisors (BOS) Room located at the Page County Government Center, 103 S Court Street, Luray, Virginia at 7:00 p.m. The call to order was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and a Momen! of Silence. Chairman Burner reminded all commissioners and speakers to please turn on and/or speak intot the microphones. Ms. Richards conducted an attendance roll call. Chairman Burner asked if there was any discussion on the agenda. There was no discussion. Ms. Grech made a motion to adopt the agenda. Mr. Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously Adoption of Agenda (4-0). Public Hearing A. Brookside Restaurant and Gift Shop, Inc.- Special Use Permit Ms. Clatterbuck presented thei following staff report: Brookside Restaurant & Gift Shop, Inc., with occupant listed as Cox Property Management, LLC or its assigns, has filed an application for an SUP to operate a "recovery treatment center similar to clinically managed low-intensity care" at 2978 US Hwy 211 E, Luray, VA, and further identified by Tax map number 44-(A)-49 (zoned C-1), currently containing 4.275 acres, improved with a Tax mapi number 44-(A)-49A (zoned C-1), currently containing 0.202 acres, improved with a Per the applicant, this application is for al licensed rehabilitation facility as described in Section 37.2- 403 et seq. oft the Code of Virginia. The applicant is proposing to use the existing commercial kitchen, as is, to be used by the residents to prepare their meals; the gift shop for offices and a common area space for clients; the cottages for client residences; thes storage and work building for support activities; and the stand-alone house at 3002 USI HWY 211 E as another residence for clients. The applicants have indicated vial letter from their attorney that "the residential facility contemplated could support 41 residents per day, as staffof 10 persons, and one professional counselor, and food preparation for 41 persons per day along with the ability to provide for 6j persons per month for visitation..." Pursuant to S 125-12 D.( (5) of thel Page County Zoning Ordinance, "Hospitals and residential care facilities to include group homes, halfway houses, adult day-care facilities, and assisted living facilities" require an SUP ini the Commercial (C-1)zoning district. The applicant has consulted with the following agencies/departments as required by the application: the following parcels: restaurant, retail and motel (cabins), with 50+ parking spaces; and single-family dwelling (3002 US Hwy 211 E, Luray, VA).. Planning Commission Minutes- August 27, 2024 Virginia Department ofTransportation (VDOT) - Per Mr. Hill with VDOT, "VDOTI has been working with property owner and they have met all requirements needed." Health Department- Please see attached letter dated. July 2, 2024 from. Jim Davis, Environmental Health Manager, Sr. Among other findings, Mr. Davis's letter indicates the following "It is my understanding that proposal addresses a possible change ofi use ofthe facilities. Our office has not) yet issued an onsite. sewage. system construction permit, but Isee noi issues with permit approval once the owner applies provided thej formal plans that we have not yet received do no substantially deviate from the proposal mentioned, previously." Staff recommends thel Planning Commission make all Health Department requirements: a Building Official- Per. James Campbell, Page County Building Official, "No objection to the request. Any work to be done. shall get proper permits before starting work." Staffrecommends: that we make the requirements from the Building Official a condition of Ms. Clatterbuck noted Mr. Hahn was not present and she was not going to read everything in the Comp Plan review portion oft the memo but encouraged all to review the full report which was itps/www.pageconumyyignagowAgendaCenter.View/le/Agenda 08272024-942. condition oft the SUP. the SUP. available on the County website at: She highlighted the following from the Comp Plan review: Tax map number 44-(A)-49 falls within the Environmental Preservation Tier. Tax mapi number 44-(A)-49A falls within the Agricultural Protection Tier. Goal 2, Policy 2.2: "Limit the impacts of development on the community's environmentally sensitive lands and key natural resources" (Volume 1-66). Goal 2, Policy 2.3: "Protect environmentally sensitive areas such as perennial streams, floodplains, wetlands, steeps slopes and highly erodible soils" (Volume 1-66). Goal 2, Policy 2.14: "Encourage the preservation and protection of views from Skyline Drive and George Washington National Forest" (Volume 1-67). Goal 6, Policy 6.2: "Encourage economic growth that is compatible with the County's rural character while generating a positive net cash flow for the County" (Volume 1-74). Goal 6,1 Policy 6.6: "Promote local employment opportunities" (Volume 1-74). These parcels are: zoned Commercial (C-1)and currently have a commercial use (restaurant, retail, and rental cottages) and thus is already situated fora a commercial use. The proposed new use would likely have less daily traffic. No new development, besides improvements to existing buildings, is indicated in the application. Nine dwellings exist within 500 feet measured from the outside ofthe parcel boundary, using existing parcel data and GIS: software. This number does not include addresses within the two parcels described int the application. The Comprehensive Plan does not currently address the growing need fori recovery/treatment resources. Planning staffr recommends the Planning Commission consider potential adverse effects presented during the public hearing, should such be Ms. Clatterbuck explained that adjoining property owners were notified as required by the Code of Virginia. For the record, staff will not be reading all oft the written comments received out loud. Ms. Clatterbuck reassured the public that all written comments received had been submitted to the scheduled. Planning Commission electronically and via hard copy fort their review. Page 2of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27, 2024 As fara as special use permit conditions, these were discussed again in detail at our last Planning Commission meeting. #4 and #81 have been changed as discussed at that meeting and staff would note that the applicant is in agreeance with the changes (See draft dated 8/21/24). Ms. Clatterbuck concluded to note that the applicants provided: a memo dated August 20, 2024 providing additional details oft the project, a good neighbor policy that was received shortly prior to the start oft the meeting, a letter from the current landowner, and again numerous written comments from the public. She encourage thel Planning Commission to review all material. Chairman Burner opened the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. Mike Dart- Mr. Dart stated he lived in Rileyville but he had also lived at the other end of the County in Shenandoah. He noted he was relatively new to! Page County as he had only been here about 50 years. His work experience is that for many years he was aj probation/parole offiçer for this County and for 40 years he worked as a substance abuse counselor. He stated he didn't believe that there was anyone in this room that did not agree that the need of this service locally, statewide, and nationally is critical, It has been his experience that when you shake any family tree, at least one member falls out that needs these services. They are out here. They are all over the place. This service is needed. So he has to think the opposition comes down to, yes, but not ini my backyard. He has heard that many times before and understands that. He thinks there is ai flaw in that people ini recovery don't cause problems. People noti in recovery cause problems. He's! been in recovery for 47 years. His rap: sheet includes two speeding tickets and al bad muffler. When yout talk about noti in my backyard and you: study this property, you will find itis actually 300: square miles of Federal Park. Thej population density is minimal. He understands the people right there won't agree with him. But hel has lived all over this County and iti is minimum population density. This location seems to make far more: sense than putting iti in town at al busyi intersection or something. It really does work in our County. He is glad to Gloria Hamilton- Ms. Hamilton stated she came to Page County in 1991. Prior to that, she worked in the Fredericksburg Area for the Culpeper Planning District. She worked with persons with disabilities and addictions. After that she worked with the Department ofCorrections in the prison, so she is familiar, Since she has been here, she has worked with disabilities in general, but her main goal has been to work with addictions. Regarding not in my backyard, you already have the drugs inj your backyard. She can't even begin to tell youl how much drug traffic there is here but it can be stopped. These recovery houses are one way but it has to be done right. They can't just come ina and throw anything up. One oft the things with this proposal is that she would like to see more on what they are doing and how because the population here isal little bit different than working in other areas. She noted she goes into thel houses in thel hollers. She goes anywhere she needs to go and can doi it. She would like to know ift they will be serving only Page County residents or people from everywhere. Her other concerns would be the Park and what people see when they come offt that park. She does think it can be done and is definitely needed. She iss some concerned with the numbers as they seem al little high for here, buti it sounds like it can be done and we definitely need it here. This County itselfcould fill that facility and more. She also helped with opening the new facility that recently opened in the Town of Stanley. She is not actively working in there as she has something else shei is working on but there is room for all ofthem. She would just like tol hear more about how they plan to get this done. Susan Zorn Phillips- Mrs. Phillips noted she lived on Wyngate Drive in Luray. When her husband was living, they visited Brookside many times a week as it was like theirl home away from home. She always called it the Cheers ofLuray where everybody knew your name. She knows the Castles have been trying to sell this property for some time and they finally have ani interested party. Even though the venue will change, as owners of the property they have every right to sell, and thel buyers have every right to change it from being ai restaurant to a: facility tol help people. She noted that she will see this Board ist taking care oft the growth and protection oft the County. Page 3 of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August2 27, 2024 miss Brookside as much as everyone else, but shei is ini full support of the Castles and the direction this Terri Wallace- Ms. Wallace noted that she has worked as a server at Brookside Restaurant for five years and enjoyed every minute ofit. There was at time during those years, she made some not so good choices. Because oft those choices, she ended up facing some: real awakening times in a place that she nevert thought she would be..Page County Jail. The time she spent there was humbling. She was fortunate that at the time she was able to be accepted into aj program that saved her life...drug court. Once she was released, she knew what had to be done and what the expectations were. It was intense but she was ready for the challenge. She finished the program with flying colors. She has been in recovery for three years now. Her life is back on track. She was blessed to have her families support and her work families support when she was released, in which shei is forever thankful for. She knows that they are always there for her ifs she needs them. There are others that are not so fortunate and don't! have thes support. That is what people need. You cannot do this on your own. For those that are not sO lucky to achieve their communication and confidence levels, they need al little more time to structure their life. A facility such as this will be al blessing to them. It could very welll be someone CeCe Castle- Mrs. Castle noted that her husband (Bob) iss somewhat under the weather after suffering ar major accident on. July Sth soS shei is speaking fort the both oft them. In a former life, she was a real estate broker. When you value real estate, the: first principal is to consider the highest and best use of the property. In 1990, when they purchased it, there was no internet and no cell phones. Life was different. It worked at a different speed. The restaurant and the cabins that her husband renovated over nine years and the new one built, thrived, but times changed. This is no longer as economically feasible asi it was before. People's expectations and habits are different. They order everything from Amazon. They order their food over the phone. There is too much competition in the County at the current time and she knows they are all aware of the many failed restaurants that have come and gone over the last 15 years as there is still evidence oft that. The market is also flooded with cabins. People do not understand thel hospitality business as we didi in thej past and they are not prepared to cope with it. The bakeries, the soaring costs oflabor, and trying to make it economically feasible. This new proposed use isi in her estimation currently thel highest and best use for the property. It does a number ofthings. First, iti is al huge life changing benefit fori individuals to rebuild their lives. One ofthe serious things that she thinks many! here have considered is the visual appearance. This proposed complex will maintain those existing structures and be maintained by them instead of being morphed into something else or mowed down and having self-storage units put up, which is a use allowed on commercial property. She feels it is an excellent fit for the community. Change is the most difficult thing anyone faces inl life but this change offers more benefits than risks. Often the fear of change is born of ignorance, not stupidity, that is not what she means. But lack of understanding the facts at hand.. After the 35 years spent working, spending millions, surviving a hurricane, surviving COVID, recessions, and a number ofother challenges, this property represents their retirement and they wish to Keith Ryan- Mr. Ryan stated he lived on Rocky Branch Road about ai mile and al half from the restaurant. Just some comments or food for thought. Page County is driven by agriculture and tourism. A loss oft the restaurant and cabins would be al loss for that industry. Wel have very few restaurants where you can get breakfast. Iti is close toj people who live nearby in the area. A loss ofseven or SO cabins whichi is al loss ofr revenue for the County. It would be al loss of approximately a dozen jobs in tourism. Hei is told that drugsi is a large problem that we have in the County, and though this type of facility may be ai rehabilitation for those who have that addiction, what outside clientele might that type of facility draw since we. have such al huge problem in our County. Has there been any type of collaboration between thel Planning Board and the Supervisors and thet three towns fora a facility like this or has this just sprung up because ofap potential sell of the property? Would the facility be restricted for Page County residents only or for anyone that could afford such ai facility? It would bes a venue. is taking. youl know or love. She thanked them for allowing her to share her story. sell it. She thanked the Commission. Page 4 of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27, 2024 big advantage, and more people would likely be in favor oft this special use permit, ifit were restricted for Page County residents. Have there been any type ofs studies as far as implementing or approving a facility such as this neart the Shenandoah National Park, Jellystone Park, vacation resorts, with having ai facility like that int the midst oft them? Have there been any studies on property values nearby? Crime rates nearby? There is an addiction facility being planning fori in Stanley; is there any type of comprehensive plan by leadership that has been thought of? He thanked the Commission for their Patricia Long- Mrs. Long noted that she and her husband bought the property known as Pumpkin Hill across from the restaurant about 40 years ago. She noted that the Castles have been the most fantastic neighbors anyone could ask for. The community has a certain obligation, along with the Chamber of Commerce, to help her find other buyers because al recovery addiction center in our location, or as they say, in my backyard, is something shei is strongly opposed to. Also, the Comprehensive Plan indicates that you have to protect the environment, such as streams and floodplains. We know that that area is al low laying area and it floods. We are not talking about equipment and furniture. We are talking about people'sl lives who are, going to be mobilized in the case of flooding. Whose burden will that be.. .the Sheriff's Department? Emergency Services? There is a lot more to think about than just the center. She is hearing that there is going to be another safe house in Stanley. That is a different concept. From what she understands, the Stanley property is a community effort aided by churches, neighbors, and the Chiefc of Police. Everyone is fori it. That is a different concept than what we are seeing here with this proposal. Also, she doubts that this facility will be fort the citizens of Page County. They willl be outsiders coming in because the fees willl be high. We talk about the economic development of our area. This is a health matter. It really has al lot of loops where they don't pay that much in taxes. They have done al lot of research and they would be happy to pass it along to the Commissioners. The revenue expected from the proposed use will not be as great as you may think it will be. She noted that her business across the road will be affected because they promote family- friendly, safe environments for their guests. Brookside Restaurant has provided that so far. Yogi Bear also provides the same concept. On that beautiful corridor into the Shenandoah National Park into our County. Looking at all ofthis, it does provide an adverse effect onj property value. They have also done some research which will be submitted later because she doesn't want a decision they make to Tom Long- Mr. Long noted he had lived on US Hwy 211 East, Luray since 1984, straight across from Brookside. He noted hei is a recovering alcoholic. He has been to rehab. He understands rehab romance and how they go about getting pills around the loop. He learned from a rehab center what thati is all about. Hel knows thati it is unsafe. Here isj just one little study [hel held it upi in his hand) on what is going to happen to property values, crime, and how much crime is going to come up because ofwhat it is. He agrees withs some of the comments about needing it but where you are putting iti is putting people's lives in danger. There willl be ai flood, power outages, and people that are coming off ofmeth, morphine, heroine, and all that are: not going to come off ofit with fresh air. It's going to turn into methadone, suboxone, and on and on and on. We already have places in town for that and places int the county fori it. Why do you want to put something that is at the entrance to thel Page Valley community? People are tech users. When they are searching words like prime pieces ofi real estate, and they will see Page County and other words like scenic, beauty, traditions, history, attractions, recreation, the perfect place to meet the family and friends...now punch that on your map and the entrance to Shenandoah National Park and to our County is a drug treatment center. Ifits outpatient stuff, that really gets good because they get to get outside amongst our community. We are already infected with meth and an overburden on our police departments and court systems, as he knows this first-hand. Hei is a recovering alcoholic and every day is one-day-at-a-time forl him. Mr. Dart knows what hei is talking about and hel knows what he is also talking about is fori real because hel has been there and done it. This will have problems. In conclusion, he read. John Hopkins, the last sentence, a community moving forward should not work without research, policy makers, and DTC'stol have an time. affect her business. honest dialogue regarding thej placement of this needed resource. Page 5 of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27, 2024 Randy Howan- Mr. Howan stated that he wanted to express his concerns with the location of the rehab facility. The agriculture industry is number one for income money, and number twoi is tourism. His concern with having this type off facility where it is proposed tol him will be the welcoming signt to hundreds of thousands driving into the Shenandoah National Park. Hei is concerned whether due diligence has been completed. He understands this company has several facilities based out of Baltimore. Iti is his understanding that lots of people that come from Virginia Beach and so forth that will go to those facilities. He has heard its said that they will consider County residents first, but that is verbal and ifit's not in writing it wasn'ts said and it won't be committed orl held to. That isj just verbal to appease people. Hei is also understanding that Warren County refused it within the town limits and he would like tol know their reasoning for refusal. Ifhe were also to get involved sO deep into this thing, he would want to find out where the current facilities are located, do a google search, look at the names oft the neighbors, andt taik to their neighbors to find out what issues they've had. Don't just hear as sales pitch from the owner ofthei facility and get a good sales pitch. Get involved in reality and see what isl happening on the ground. It may be great for everybody but as with everything there tends to bei more underlying issues. Hei is concerned with the image to tourism. The Shenandoah National Park is one of the greatest generators of our TOT dollars and traffic and all ofthat is coming right by this property. He concluded to say, for those ofs you that vote yes, would you want this right beside ofyour Francesca Long- Ms. Long thanked the commission fort taking the time to hear her perspective on the proposed facility in our beloved community. She is here to express her concerns coming from her own personal experience andj journey of354 days of clean and sober living without the aide ofai rehab facility. Drug rehabilitation is crucial and lifesaving. However, it is the proposed location that could impact both the individual and our community at large. The site in question is situated between Yogi Bear's family friendly resort and the entrance to the Skyline Drive. A major gateway that welcomes over a million visitors each and every: year. Our community's charm and the appeal are integral to the success and the presence ofa 24/7 drug rehab center would detract from the very essence that draws people to the scenic valley in that location. The high density operation and the constant traffic associated with such a center could interfere with tourism, leading to a decrease in visitor numbers and ar negative impact on local businesses in that direct area. Additionally, this location's environment could hinder recovery efforts. The areai it notably cold and dark, as she has lived there her entire life. With the mountains casting a constant shadow, thes setting might not be conductive to the mental health well-being of those ini recovery. A facility in such al location could face challenges inj providing an uplifting and supportive atmosphere essential for success in rehab. Moreover, having a facility in this easily-accessible area may inadvertently facilitate drug drop offs undermining the community's safety as well as its serenity. As someone who has navigated recovery, she understands that an environment conductive tol healing is extremely vital, and this site does not seem to offer that supportive state. A facility housing 40 patients in less than nine units often feels more like a prison or al hospital than a place of healing. A recovery center that creates al home-like environment tends to see better outcome than the proposed development for the lack of space and quality of life. She feels that isi important. She thanked the Commission. She would like to ensure that our community remains welcoming and a safe haven to visitors and shei is oppose tot this for those purposes, only. Gabriella Long- Ms. Long thanked the commission for the opportunity to speak. She noted she strongly opposed thes special use permit, and she believed there are critical reasons to object the proposal based on the Comprehensive Plan and recent decisions by the Planning Commission. First, the site falls within the environmental preservation tiers. These tiers are designated toj protect our sensitive land and maintain a rural character. The Comprehensive Plan aims tol limit development in these areas to preserve their integrity. The high density, 24/7 operation oft this facility conflicts with these preservation goals and threatens an environmental and agricultural values that these tiers are meant to protect. Additionally, the Shenandoah National Park, a major tourism driver in our region, could be negativelyin impacted by this development. The Park is a crucial part of our local economy, house. Please consider that. He thanked the Commission. Page6of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27, 2024 attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. The introduction ofal high-density residential facility near the Park could detract from its scenic beauty and reduces the appeal to tourists, potentially harming the revenue generated by nearby attractions like Yogi Bear Campground. This campground is one oft the top family-friendly resorts in Virginia, and its success it vital to our community's economic health. The Board of Supervisors have identified agriculture and tourism as the primary growth areas for our County. The proposed facility does not fit within the sectors. It represents a significant deviation from our established growth priorities. Allowing such an exception could undermine the consistency ofour development policies and delete the focus of our designated growth areas. Moreover, the Planning Commission has recently denied two tourist-based proposals that would have enhanced our tourism sector. These decisions were made for reasons less impactful than those related to this special use permit application. Approving this facility would not only contradict those decisions butj jeopardize our tourism industry, which is essential to our community's prosperity. She urged the Commission to deny the special use permit application, as that decision would ensure alignment with the Comprehensive Plan and protect the environmental, economic, and tourism interest of Page County. She concluded to note that shei is 38; years-old and has lived in District 2 her whole life. She has been al landowner now for 14 years in District 2. She has a three- year-old daughter that calls their home, home, and she does not want this as a neighbor. Chairman Burner closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Chairman Burner noted that he was going to allow the applicant(s) to speak. He reminded them that when they spoke, they needed to address the Planning Commission, as this was not a crowd-based interaction. The applicants will not be bound by the three minute rule, but he requested that they stay Michael Rothstein introduced himself as the ChiefOperating Officer for Recovery 180. He thanked the Commission for allowing him to speak. They currently own and operate two facilities in the State ofMaryland. They have been open approximately two-and-a-half to three years. Hei is sober 12 years, himself. Hel has owned and operated treatment centers in Florida, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. They operate ai facility in Warrenton (Fauquier County), which will be very similar to what they are proposing here. They have been licensed for six months there and open for the last 90 days there. Theyj just recently passed their unannounced site visit by the Virginia licensing board. He understands there may be al lot of questions about how they operate their program. How do the clients come to them after completing a detox or residential program - these are clients that have already gone toa place like Boxwood, where they have done a 30-day detoxification program, meaning whatever substance they are on, they are medically cleared before they come to Recovery 180. This is the second stagei in the recovery. Their program lasts upward of 120 days, but the target is 90 days. How do theyi identify their clients they go through a rigorous prescreening. They have licensed. mental health clinicians that are. required to work onsite. When ai referral comes to them from Boxwood, they look at all oftheir information. They do not accept violent criminals or sex offenders. Those get referred out to facilities in other areas that are better equipped to handle that. They also do not deal with severe mental health. Ifa client has ai mental health diagnosis that they are not equipped to treat, they will refer them out to another facility. So, they have guidelines in place to screen their clients before entering their program. These are bed-to-bed transfers. So, these clients are not driving themselves. This is not an outpatient clinic. They come to them directly, whether we provide the transportation from the facility or they provide transportation to us. When a client admits, they go through an intake process. Their bags are searched. They are given al list oft the rules. He did provide a copy ofag good neighbor agreement from an existing facility inl Maryland. That would bet tailored to thel Luray property, but it gives you a guideline ofthe types ofrules and regulations theyi instill in their clients. Once a client is admitted, these clients are not allowed tol leave the facility. Itisa2 24/7 supervised facility. Clients will usually have breakfast between 7:30: a.m. 8:30 a.m. in the restaurant area. They will then be. involved in a multitude of group therapy, individual therapy, and case management. Their staff consists of licensed clinicians, peer recovery specialist, behavioral on1 track. Page 7of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27,2024 technicians, and other kitchen staff, as well. Lunch is usually between 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. back in the cafeteria area. There are then afternoon group: sessions and dinner. Many evenings they willl have meetings where they bring in speakers from churches, AA meetings, NA meetings, things like that to provide additional resources to the clients, onsite. Ifa client does have to leave the premises fora doctor or dentist appointment, perhaps to another meeting somewhere else, they are accompanied by multiple staff members. The clients are not allowed to come and go on their own free will. This is not an outpatient facility. We are realistic int that sometimes a client can relapse. The client is separated from the community by a staff member, and then they work with local referral partners such as CSB, Boxwood, etc. to arrange a warm, safe bed-to-bed transfer. Clients are not discharged and allowed to walk the streets. They are provided safe transportation to the referring facility and accompanied that way. Discharge planning is al huge thingi in their level of care. They need to provide al home thati isa safe place. Theyl have already identified with CSB that there is no other facility like this in Page County. We will always focus ini the County that we are. located in, first. There were some questions raised about where our clients come from. In Warrenton, right now, the majority of our clients are coming from Fauquier and Culpeper County. They have had: some come from further away and sometimes a change in scenery for folks is good. This is a very peaceful area and a great place to recover. There are times that people will come from outside oft the County to recover. With discharge planning, you always want to identify ifg going back home is a safe place. They will identify what the recovery plan looks like going back home and working with therapist and AA meetings and such, or into other counties where maybe going back home to Page County isn't the best place for them to continue their recovery, journey. As far as the appearance oft the property itself, they typically liket to put up aj privacy fence or privacy bushes with nice greenery as it protects the clients' privacy, as well as those driving by. There will be no signage that says addiction recovery center or anything like that. Whatever the name of the company that they choose to operate the business willl be, will obviously be listed ont the property sO that people can find it, but there will be no addiction/treatment center signage or anything like that. Behind thej property, iti is covered by trees, beyond the creek, that is where the clients can congregate for outdoor activities. So there will be no congregation in the front oft the property that abuts up to the highway. So, as people are driving by it willl be no different than people int the cabins and going to the restaurant for lunch. That is the only thing you will see. There will be no congregation outside. He concluded he would be happy to answer any questions, and thanked the Ms. Grech noted the Planning Commission has done their due diligence. Many of the points that have been raised by the public is stufft that they has already been discussed in the first meeting that they are considering, and they will consider every one oft the public'st remarks. Ms. Grech stated she was happy to hear there would be: no signage. She questioned if the existing sign out front now that said Brookside Restaurant was not going tol become drug and rehabilitation center. They may have a name ofthe company and that'si it. So there will be nothing to indicate to aj passing tourist coming out ofthe Shenandoah National Park going to Yogi Bear that would indicate the use oft that facility, and Mr. Rothstein confirmed,) yes, that was correct. He further shared that the facility in Warrenton was offo of James Madison Highway and the name of that facility is Warrenton Woods. Ms. Grech suggested Ms. Grech noted that during his presentation he stated no violent offenders, no sex offenders how about court-ordered? Mr. Rothstein replied no court-ordered clients, either. Obviously, clients that are coming in on not such a winning streak may have previous issues, but they are not court-ordered to be with them. That is one of the beautiful things about their program which is that the clients are choosing to come to them after the 30-day program. They are not court-ordered. That usually ends with better outcome measurements when clients are engaging which is why they don'to do court- ordered clients. Ms. Grech asked about underage children. Mr. Rothstein explained that this would be an male only facility- not a co-ed facility- and the age groupi is 18 years old and up. Att the Warrenton Planning Commission for their time. hopefully that would be some reassurance to members of the public. location, they' 've had clients as young as 20-years old upt to 60-years old. Page 8of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27, 2024 Ms. Grech asked about the outdoor use for the clients, and Mr. Rothstein confirmed again that congregation would not happen in the front oft the facility. Ms. Grech asked ift they would be open to Ms. Grech explained that they were not here to decide whether the location should be a restaurant ora rehab facility. They are not economic development. The Planning Commission willl look at the use, zoning, good use fort the area, and ifit's not a good use they are able to bring conditions that are attached to the special use permit. For the members of the public who have mentioned this tonight, we have already asked our County Attorney if we could mandate that the clientele only come from Page County, and the answer is no we cannot. The Planning Commission is doing their due diligence. This property is noti in a flood zone. Wel have done our due diligence on that, as well. Ms. Grech asked him to explain the good neighbor policy. Mr. Rothstein explained that a good neighbor policy is typically something that they use as an attempt to create a dialogue and understanding of their program. Iti is direct access to the operator oft the facility. Their contact information will be given to everyone along with the County. That is to open up the dialogue so that if there are any issues that ai neighbor has, questions or concerns, theyl have direct access to the operator oft the facility. The policy also outlines things such as loud music, curfew, etc. They are open tol have that conversation with any of the neighbors to ensure that the clients are respecting the privacy. Ms. Grech noted shel liked thati idea. Judging from some of the public comments tonight, maybe some of Ms. Grech asked him to explain what their measurements of success were with the other operations. Mr. Rothstein replied their graduation rate is hovering in the 70% for the Maryland location. It's too early to tell in the Virginia location. When we. say graduation, regulations in Maryland allow: for six month stays, soi it's al little longer ofaj program than what Virginia allows for this level ofcare. Graduation would mean they've completed their full six month stay or ifthey've finished their treatment plan which is outlined in the beginning with a set of goals. Aftercare plan is al huge part of that. Ifthey complete it before the: six months, they would successfully discharge them to either back to home or sober living. That is how they judge success rate based on completion of the program. Ms. Grech asked ifs she were a male between 18 and 62 years old, she could come to the facility after going through a 14-30 day detox program. Mr. Rothstein stated ifs someone called that needed the detox program, they would not take them into this facility. They would refer them to thel higher level first, and then assuming they complete whatever program is dictated by the medical professionals there, then they would complete pre-screening with them and be deemed eligible or not eligible. Ms. Grech asked ifs she were a violent offender, sex offender, minor, court-ordered, mental health, they would have criteria that would make them ineligible and Mr. Rothstein confirmed. Ms. Grech: stated that in a way, they are just taking clients that are deemed not to be risky, ift that is even an appropriate word. Mr. Rothstein stated they call it low-intensity, whichi is what we are talking about here. Ms. Grech noted that she has seen fights due to alcohol and drugs at the Page County Fair or certain local parades which seem to her much more dangerous as ai member ofs society than what he is explaining. Ms. Grech noted she didn't have any further questions, but al lot of things have been brought up tonight and they are missing a Commissioner, she thinks they need more time to think about this. Chairman Burner asked how they would handle patients that complete the program, and six months later relapse. Would those patients then be allowed to come back after the detox program? Where is your preference ifyou have someone who hasn't been there VS. someone wanting to come back due to relapse? Mr. Rothstein noted he they would make sure both got the help they needed. Ifthey are full, they will work with other facilities to ensure they have as safe place to go, but he does defer tol his screening and Mr. Rothstein confirmed. those concerns could bei incorporated into the conditions. clinical team when making those decisions. Page 9of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27,2024 Mr. Turner asked ift they would be dealing with: substance abuse, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse at the Ms. Kile asked what was the background. andj practice oft the clinical director. Mr. Rothstein replied that they are accredited with the Virginia Board. They always get the highest professionals that have worked in the field. They have a decent amount of licensed professionals that work with them in Ms. Kile asked ift there was any medical oversight for this program. Mr. Rothstein explained that there was no medical onsite. What they typically doi in areas like this is they try to work with providers for any medications that they may need. They work with pharmacies all over. They have one that they are working with in the Warrenton area. They have been fantastic in that they provide 24/7 support so if they have something after hours they can get ai medical professional on the phone tol handle issues. Ms. Kile asked sO more ofat tele-health visit, and Mr. Rothstein confirmed. He further stated that ifthe patient load required them to have someone come onsite, they would obviously do that, buti in the after-hours moments it would be done via tele-health or transport ift there were: multiple people that needed the physician or dentist. Ms. Kile asked what plans or provisions have been made for the primary and/or emergency care of the program. Mr. Rothstein explained that this facility doesn't] have one created yet because they are site-specific. They do have emergency plans that are required for national accreditation. By law, they have tol have those plans inj place, and they are very site specific. Once they get to the point where they are through the permitting process, their consulting team would create policies specific fort this location to identify all oft those things. He noted he would be happy to provide a copy ofone from another facility but they are very site specific plans. Ms. Kile agreed that it does have tol be very site-specific, but in terms of our locali infrastructure, how would we be able to best support your clients. Mr. Rothstein explained that they work with local EMS, fire, and police in starting those conversations. How we can help, how they can help, etc. Ms. Kile noted thatj just going to our local emergency department is not ideal. Mr. Rothstein stated that the hope is because these are low-intensity settings, those aren't those needs but again he can't perceive what might happen but they would have aj plan in place should something happen. Ms. Kile requested to: see what their considerations were for primary care and emergency care, in which he agreed. Ms. Kile also noted he mentioned he owned/operated other facilities and asked him to elaborate on that. Mr. Rothstein stated he got sober in Florida in 2012. He started with sober living homes in 2015 and then opened up ani intensive outpatient center. Clients were living in a residence where they were provided with clinical services. They expanded into Delaware where they opened a very similar facility. Hes sold those facilities about three years ago. He connected with his partner Michael who has experience in the field- about 19 centers across the country. They connected and really decided to go after this level of care. This is very special to him because iti is a longer level of care. People can survive in a 30-day detox, but thisi is where they create those relationships, repair family issues, reconnect with children. They work withs social services with their case managers, SO this level of care really tugs at his heart strings as this is really where they set them up for success. This is where we Ms. Grech asked if they were: al halfway house. Mr. Rothstein said their license is for al low-intensity residential center. He doesn't want to misspeak zoning terminology, but that is how their license reads. The national accreditation is a sober living environment combined with a clinical component. Ms. Grech asked if narcan would be onsite and Mr. Rothstein said yes. It will bei in every room and with the behavioral tech staff whom receive trainings on that to: maintain the national accreditation. Ms. Grech asked how many stafft they intended to hire, and Mr. Rothstein stated between full-time and part-time anywhere from 12-20 people especially with overnight, kitchen, and cleaning. The clinical staffwill primarily be made up of six people. A licensed clinician at the very top and then some drug facility. Mr. Rothstein confirmed. Warrenton. give them the tools to reintegrate into society. and alcohol counselors and peer reçovery support specialist. Page 10of11 Planning Commission Minutes- August 27, 2024 Ms. Grech made a motion that they postpose a decision on the special use permit until Mr. Adams is here and until they can fully review all the questions that have been posed tonight. The motion was seconded by Ms. Kile. The motion passed unanimously (4-0). New Business A. Adoption of Minutes- - August 13,2024 Chairman Burner asked for ai motion, and Mr. Turner made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Grech seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0). Unfinished Business A. Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Non-conyentional Dwellings Ms. Clatterbuck provided the Planning Commission with the draft dated 8/20/24 consisting oft three parts: proposed definitions, proposed use matrix, and supplemental regulations. The goal oft this draft was to address non-conventional structures such as treehouses, tiny homes, yurts, homes, and shipping containers. Staff suggested the commissioners take thet time to review the material provided and we could discuss at the next meeting. She encouraged the commissioners to first think about where they Ms. Grech noted it seemed to be some repeating information in the document. She would like to see Ms. Grech stated that the committee has met recently twice. We thought the last meeting was going to be the last meeting but iti is not. In the next meeting, we willl be focusing now on site plans. The next Chairman Burner noted that the committee had met last week. What Mr. Hahn is proposingi is for that committee to pause fora a second. He is going to put together a report on what that committee has talked about to date, bring that report to the full Planning Commission for discussion, to make sure we want to proceed a certain way before we spend al lot oftime trying to engineer numbers. Ms. Grech made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Turner seconded the motion. Chairman Burner adjourned the would want to see these types of structures before reviewing the document. some of the duplications deleted and somehow see the differençes highlighted. B. Zoning Subcommittee Report meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Subdivision Subcommittee Report Adjourn meeting at 8:18 p.m. hediBn Jred Burner, Chairman Page 11 of11