Community members voice concerns about zoning for halfway house

(ALBANY, GA) – For Haven of Hope founder, Kathia Collins, she’s trying to get approval for a 5th Avenue property as a halfway house, helping those who were previously incarcerated reintegrate.

“We’ve been working with women since 2006, in the same location since 2006. And I don’t think we’ve diminished the area at all,” said Collins to the Albany City Commission.

At Tuesday morning’s City Commission meeting, nearly 20 people spoke up about issues regarding the halfway house; and some favor it, like Albany resident, Tracy Coleman, noting it offers a second chance.

Coleman said, “The neighborhood is the people. And if we can come together and give them a helping hand, then that would make the neighborhood.”

While there are plenty of people in support of haven of hope in the rezoning issue, others brought up their concerns about it being in their neighborhood.

With some against the idea, citing a potential drop in their home value with the halfway house in the neighborhood, among other concerns.

One nearby resident, Gloria Evans Ford said, “I guess I’m fearing for my safety, and so I have questions about it. And who as well as what the whole situation’s about.

While her neighbor, Patricia Guin said, “I feel that to allow this in a family-oriented neighborhood, I feel that there’s been a mistake made”

The re-zoning decision is expected next week.