Ben Hill County tables special-exception decision for Christian Recovery Centers, orders inspections

Ben Hill County commissioners on Aug. 8 tabled a decision on Christian Recovery Centers’ application for a Special Exception to operate a congregate personal care home at 1721 Bowens Mill Highway and directed county staff to pursue inspections and compliance steps.

Building & Zoning Inspector Jake Hughes told the commission the center moved into the property in August 2021 without prior zoning approvals and has operated without the county’s permitting. "They did not discuss this move with us - therefore, we did not approve the use, building, or zoning at that time," Hughes said, and reported the facility has been described by its representatives as housing about 30 patients.

Hughes summarized health and safety concerns raised by county and state reviewers: at least eleven E-911 calls tied to the property between August 2021 and February 2022, two suspected fentanyl overdoses (one reported fatal), questions from the Ben Hill County Health Department about well and septic capacity, and an April 5 letter from Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division recommending capacity review, monthly microbiological sampling and public notification. Hughes also said a July 27 site inspection found accessibility shortfalls, including no designated handicap parking or accessible routes to the main public buildings, and that additional showers had been installed without county permits.

"I agree with the Planning and Zoning Committee and do not recommend approval of this special exception," Hughes told the board, but he added he recommended the board table the request for roughly 60 days to allow county, EPD and State Fire Marshal inspections so staff could provide a fuller report.

Representatives of Christian Recovery Centers told the commission they want to comply. "We want to come into compliance and work with Ben Hill County and not against," said Nicke Campbell, Clinical Director (East Dublin). Program Director Gregory Ray said the operation aims to help people and is willing to work with the county: "we are not trying to run a flop house; but trying to help those that are dependent on drugs and alcohol to get off it." Supporters included a former program participant who said he had been helped by the facility and local employers who said they hire graduates.

Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to table the Special Exception for approximately 60 days, authorize Chairman Steve Taylor to sign a drafted letter, and hand-deliver it to facility director Gregory Ray. County Manager Michael Dinnerman said the county wants to protect citizens while also giving the center an opportunity to come into compliance. The action does not grant the Special Exception; the board will revisit the application after inspections and any corrective steps are completed.

Next steps: county staff and state agencies were asked to conduct the inspections and report back within the tabling period so commissioners can reconsider the Special Exception with additional technical findings.