Nazarene Church approved for improvements

Should a proposal to convert the first floor of a building at Fourth and Grant streets into a home for adults with developmental disabilities be approved? The Planning Commission decided yes at its Aug. 19 meeting, but not before considerable discussion.

The primary issue was whether or not the home could be converted to serve other populations, such as those in drug rehabilitation, without further review by the city.

Lavina Edgerly, who owns two other homes for developmentally disabled adults in Lebanon, proposed converting the commercial structure to a state-licensed residential facility. Edgerly also owns the structure at 210 W. Grant St.

The matter went before the Planning Commission for a variance because the property is zoned central business commercial. Residential uses are allowed in the commercial zone, but not on the first floor.

The home would house five or fewer adults who are unable to negotiate stairs.

Steve Kassis, who lives across Fourth Street from the property, asked if the type of residents in the facility could change without a further application to the city.

City Development Director Walt Wendolowski said no additional city land use approval would be needed for a change in residents. The state, rather than the city, licenses group homes.

Kassis also raised the issue of possible air contamination from using a well for outside watering. He was directed to the state health department and water resources division websites for information. City Engineering Services Director Dan Grassick said those agencies govern wells and water quality.

The property is within the area in Lebanon that has been identified with groundwater contamination issues from long-past uses.

The city can recommend a property owner use drip irrigation but to require it interferes with private property rights, Grassick said.

Donald Howard, a retired case manager for Linn County, spoke in favor of the proposal. He said the state developmental disability system doesn't have facilities for people with alcohol and drug problems.

Commissioner Shelly Garrett also wanted to know what the process would be to re-evaluate the approval if the downtown commercial area expands. The city has no process in that circumstance, Wendolowski said, but the greater economic value of commercial uses would influence the outcome.

In order to limit the approval, the Planning Commission voted for the variance with this condition: The owner must reapply if she wants to change clients to people who would be able to climb the stairs.

In other business, the Planning Commission approved a request for improvements at the Lebanon Church of the Nazarene.

The church plans to replace its multipurpose building, expand the sanctuary, install a new walkway cover and create a recreation area with a new outdoor shelter.

Work will be done in phases, with the multipurpose building land walkway cover constructed within a year. The open space improvement is scheduled within three years and the sanctuary in three to five years.

The church sits on about 1.7 acres on West "D" Street between Seventh and Ninth streets. The property is zoned mixed-density residential. Churches are allowed as a conditional use in the zone.

One neighbor, Cheryl Moersch, complained about noise from church events including concerts and easter egg hunts.