Council to review proposed Carbonear sober living house

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An application to open a sober living centre in Carbonear has drawn such a large public response, council is looking at holding a meeting with the proponents and a public hearing.
Sober living homes provide shelter and support for people trying to overcome addiction. They do not allow the use of drugs or alcohol on the property.
The application in this case is for a sober living house at 19 Industrial Crescent. It would be run by U-Turn Addiction Recovery. The area’s zoning requires the application to have the discretionary approval of council. The Town advertised a discretionary use notice, as required, giving residents a chance to give feedback. Council had resolved to approve the facility if no objections or representations were received.
However, at council’s March 11 meeting, councillor Chris O’Grady reported that following publication of the notice, council received numerous responses, especially from property owners on Industrial Crescent and Goff Avenue. The objections were referred to the Town’s Economic Development, Planning and Land Use Development Committee to come up with a recommendation for council.
O’Grady said the recommendation is to have a meeting with the applicants to allow council and staff a chance to ask further questions and get some clarifications.
“After that, I guess we’ll look at having a public meeting, as well,” said O’Grady, “so the public can come in and ask questions before we make our final decision.”