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The Magee Board of Aldermen unanimously decided in favor of the appellee during a heated zoning debate on Thursday, October 20, 2022. The debate was a result of an appeal filed by Susan and Brent Walker of the city’s zoning commission’s decision concerning a home at 405 5th Street SW in Magee.
The home in question, which is located in Ward 2, is owned by New Life Fellowship and is currently being rented to three men. Local homeowners in the ward brought the issue before the zoning commission because they believe the residence does not fit the designation of an R1 Single Family Residential Home, according to the ordinances of the City of Magee.
The zoning commission decided the matter needed further investigation, leading the homeowners to appeal to the Board of Aldermen. Susan Walker presented the board with research she and others had done in hopes of convincing the board that the home is a “halfway house” and, therefore, does not meet the zoning requirements for the neighborhood.
Walker said their goals were threefold. They would like to see:
- the home at 405 5th St. SW continue to be zoned as an R1 Single Family Residential Home
- the issue of halfway housing be addressed by the city as an amendment to the zoning ordinances
- the Board of Aldermen be aware of the requirements for halfway houses and enforce those requirements.
The homeowners’ group argued that the investigation into the home was not done properly and that the home should be zoned only in a “Special Use District” as a self-contained community.
Gloria Lucas, owner of the McAlpin House, shared with the board her fears for the neighborhood, which she said are based upon her past experiences. She told of a young man named Tony Smith, a former friend and employee who stole from Lucas then stabbed her and her sister repeatedly.
She said, “In five minutes, he flipped, and I’m afraid that’s what’s going to happen here.”
Deputy Federal Marshall Tony McDaniel also addressed the board with his concerns, saying that halfway homes should have controlled access and need supervision.
Pastor Gary Phillips spoke on behalf of New Life Fellowship, arguing that the city cannot dictate who is able to rent homes in certain areas and not others, but he asserted his willingness to work with the board to resolve this issue.
“You tell me what to do, and I’ll do it,” he said.
One of the points brought up by the homeowners was the fact the home, which they believe is being used to help men who are recovering from addiction, is in close proximity to liquor stores. Phillips argued the solution is to stop the sale of liquor in the city and not to stop helping those who are trying to recover from addiction to it.
As each side offered rebuttals, the debate became heated, and the discussion in the room, which was filled to capacity with standing room only, became louder and less orderly, leading Alderman Lane Steel to remind everyone to be “courteous and respectful.”
At that point, the board entered into executive session to discuss the matter, returning only to announce their decision that the home does qualify as an R1 Single Family Residential Home, a decision met with applause by many in the room.
There were more than 60 people in attendance. Mayor Dale Berry and Alderman Matthew Hickman were not present.
