Halfway house rezoning on hold in Lorain

LORAIN — A rezoning request for a halfway house in Lorain is on hold. Anthony Giardini, co-owner of the former DeLuca's Place in the Park, said in a text message he rescinded the application to rezone the Middle Ridge property from B-2 to R-3, as it turns out it would need industrial zoning to operate a halfway house. JTTR Properties LLC purchased the former event center in January for $425,000. The city's Planning Commission previously approved the change, but Giardini said it turns out the property would need to be an I-2 zoning to operate the facility proposed by True Freedom Ministries' subsidiary Prospera Reenetry. The proposal, which has received heavy pushback from residents in neighboring Elyria Township, would be the first halfway house Prospera operated, according to information presented at a July 12 public hearing. Many of those residents argued the new site could pose a danger to their well-being and reduce property values. Correspondence listed on the upcoming City Council agenda for Monday include two petitions with a combined 270 signatures against the proposal. An ordinance denying the rezoning is also on the agenda. True Freedom Ministries executive director Mike Swiger said the group's programs work with individuals at facilities in Cleveland, and the goal of the Lorain location would be to raise the bar on reentry services. Prospera would need to be licensed by the state to house individuals coming out of prison., and would receive $89 per day, per person housed at the facility. The original application for rezoning was under a "residential social service facility," which requires an R-3 zoning and a conditional use permit. A separate section of Lorain's zoning code includes a definition of a correctional halfway house, and lists "corrections" facilities as a conditional use in industrial zones. Building, Housing and Planning Director Max Upton could not be reached for comment Saturday. Councilman Mitchell Fallis, D-at Large, also submitted correspondence noting if the facility were to operate under a "residential social service facility" definition, it would only be able to house 12 individuals according to the city's zoning code. Giardini said it would be up to True Freedom Ministries if it decides to apply for the new rezoning. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.