Phoenix now has a timeline for when it will vote on group home regulations. The new schedule comes after neighborhood groups complained the city wasn’t moving fast enough.
It’s a partial victory for some residents who’ve spent nearly a year pushing for action.
During Wednesday’s council meeting, members rejected a citizen petition calling for a 90 day moratorium on new group homes, but agreed to adopt what they call an "aggressive schedule" to come up with zoning changes and a licensing plan.
The state regulates many group homes, but not sober living homes. Councilwoman Deb Stark said that needs to change.
“This really, to me, is a statewide concern and if we set up our own set of rules and then Mesa sets up their own set, it’s going to be very confusing for the industry who I think wants some consistency throughout the state,” Stark said.
Neighborhood groups have complained about clusters of what they see as poorly run sober living homes. In response, Phoenix hired a consultant to work with residents and home operatorsand regular meetings have taken place over the past few months.
Take Action Phoenix, a group made up of residents from various neighborhoods, submitted the petition after learning Phoenix would not have an ordinance in place by December as the group expected.
A full plan is now expected to reach the council by late March.
