ZBA denies variance for group home

The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals Sept. 15 denied a non-use variance request for 39,060 square feet of relief from the regular one-acre lot size for a principal conditional use in an A-2 (single-family, medium-density) district for an adult foster care facility for more than six residents.

Applicant Connie McNeal, who has operated the home at 1602 Waldman Ave. since 2002, said that current laws will not let her expand the home.

She wants to eliminate a deck and shed to make room for the expansion.

McNeal said that the siding is unfinished and the roof has to be replaced. The handicap access has been removed so she can only accept walking patients.

Vice Chairman Christine Monk (6th Ward) said that during a visit she made, there was no room to get to the backyard because the paths were too crammed. Putting an addition on would make the place unsafe for more than six people.

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 in the City Council Chambers in Flint City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St.

Call 766-7355 for details.