TOANO — The James City County Board of Supervisors approved a special use permit to allow a men’s group home to operate in Toano Tuesday night.
The SUP will allow local nonprofit Evolution House to legally house up to 24 residents in the 5,000-square-foot home located at 2010 Old Richmond Road West. Documentation shows the home has eleven bedrooms permitting no more than two residents per room.
According to the SUP documentation, Evolution House operates group homes that provide a safe, stable and supportive residential environment for individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders who are recovering from their addiction.
The home on Old Richmond Road has two staff members on-site at all times to assist residents in structured daily programming, life skills development and therapy. Residents also attend off-site clinical activities and many have jobs.
Residents are not permitted to use their own vehicles and passenger van transportation is provided by Evolution House for residents to therapy, group recreation and other activities.
The group home had been operating in violation of JCC building code requirements for occupancy exceeding eight residents. Attorney Greg Davis of Kaufman & Canoles explained early “missteps” caused the issue, and Evolution House owners Mai Homes 2 LLC requested the Special Use Permit to be in compliance.
In May, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the SUP with conditions allowing the county access at any time, over a set period, to make unannounced visits to verify the number of occupants and for the county to verify the fencing and no trespassing signage before the certificate of occupancy can be granted to ensure there are no mistaking the property lines.
Several people who had taken advantage of the services Evolution House offers spoke in support of the organization, and it was clear the Board considered the facility addressed a critical need for the community.
“I think this is something that’s needed in our community. I was touched by, not only what each person came up and said, but it reminded me so much of a family member of mine that went through this same scenario and got lost,” said Supervisor Michael Hipple, Powhatan District, noting that family member nearly died despite having family around him. “There’s a lot of people that don’t have that luxury, don’t have the family they need, or they come to our area trying to escape … so I think this is a very important piece of our community that I support and, I think, would be welcome.”
“I think this is just a wonderful thing to have. We have so many people that need help and they don’t know where to go, and listening to these three graduates is amazing,” added Supervisor Barbara Noll, Stonehouse District.
Relating her personal story of her sister who died of an opioid overdose in 2006, Supervisor Ruth Larson, Berkeley District said, “I just applaud you and the work that you’re doing. And those of you that shared your story, it’s so brave of you. To continue on the road to recovery is so very important because you have to do it for yourself. I wish that my sister had this opportunity. She did have family. We tried, but as you know, when you are in the grips of addiction, it is very difficult to see the way out without additional support. And it’s just not there, especially if you do not have the financial means for that. So I thank you for what you’re doing for the community.”
Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Icenhour, Jamestown District, and Vice Chair John J. McGlennon, Roberts District, also spoke in support. The SUP passed unanimously.
