The Moore County Board of Commissioners approved a conditional rezoning request at their March 17 meeting that will allow a faith-based residential program to operate at a former community center in the Lobelia area.
The board voted unanimously following a public hearing to rezone approximately 2.68 acres at 135 Jolinda Road in Vass from Rural Agricultural to Rural Agricultural-Conditional Zoning for use as a group care facility.
The property, owned by Grace Community Center Inc., will be used by Mission Teens, which plans to operate a residential discipleship program for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
Planning Director Ruth Pedersen told commissioners the facility will utilize an existing 4,850-square-foot building that previously served as a community center. The renovated site is expected to house up to 31 residents and five staff members.
Under county ordinance, group care facilities must meet specific standards, including minimum living space requirements and parking ratios. While 18 parking spaces would typically be required, the applicant requested a reduction, citing that residents do not have personal vehicles. The Moore County Planning Board previously recommended approval of the rezoning with a condition requiring 12 parking spaces, a compromise the applicant agreed to.
Pedersen said the request is consistent with the county’s land use plan and compatible with surrounding rural and residential uses. No financial impact to the county budget is expected.
The proposed facility includes a security plan with 24/7 on-site staff, controlled access, and surveillance measures. Residents would follow a structured daily schedule and remain on-site throughout the program, which typically lasts eight to 10 months.
During the public hearing, speakers voiced both support and concerns.
Supporters, including local residents and church members, described the program as a needed resource for individuals struggling with addiction and said similar facilities have had positive impacts in other communities.
“We came to the conclusion that this was a great way to reach out in our community for people that really need it the most,” one resident told commissioners.
Others raised questions about supervision, safety, and the facility’s operation in a rural setting. One nearby property owner expressed concern about staffing levels and what would happen if residents chose to leave the program, and also worried about five staff members overseeing 31 residents.
Representatives for Mission Teens said the program is reportedly highly structured and that participants are supervised throughout the day. If a resident decides to leave, staff arranges transportation rather than allowing individuals to leave on foot or wander in the area.
Following the public hearing, commissioners first approved a required land-use consistency statement before voting on the rezoning request. Both passed unanimously.
To watch the full March 17 meeting on video, please click here.
Photo via County of Moore.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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