[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6031681,"mediaKeyId","5469365-ccd3cf823c16a5dac05687b8daec0793","parentId",5469365,"title","Lawrence BZA affirms Indianapolis finding that Hickory residential substance‑use treatment is similar to a nursing home, 3‑2","audioSeconds",5883,"startMs",468000,"endMs",6351000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5469365-ccd3cf823c16a5dac05687b8daec0793&start=468&end=6351","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5469365-ccd3cf823c16a5dac05687b8daec0793/thumbnail_468000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6031681/Lawrence-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Lawrence-BZA-affirms-Indianapolis-finding-that-Hickory-residential-substanceuse-treatment-is-similar-to-a-nursing-home-32","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6031681-3a51ce6309f475cc8cabaf69848c5db6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186671&Signature=YmG0Nj96~PJpPmw7SGdYWLrDLXbKwqjQetn8tcmd6QwUGIGToUCdfCknkzNdezcb5PgcfPpsQp5TYZ9LVFUYINQGjbEnO9hVgW2-2RjqLZcQIlJTEZ8X2ylXro5kvvEAtRjKc17LfIdJh9rYHhVB3Ob8Nf2zGBcrWs4F-6ZSocBz9jXBMYMeYHZKOgRJSEiefvt~~oOJx-CXPFSurTKuyWgh3TrrgJRmMbQWN684pAH3r8M-FzQwHt3xUV0dmAtnv89WhnyqjpxNvYIdwcejajZI5tHwTVgaUsPVJIbycBsBOoLx9LbB4boqT9zCSy7VnhnwpUezhJcdw8Kc0AXfhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lawrence Indiana","date","2025-02-19T00:00:00Z","article","The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3‑2 on Feb. 18 to affirm a 2020 administrative determination by the City of Indianapolis that the Chosen Lawrence Manor LLC facility (doing business as Hickory) operates as a specialty residential substance‑use disorder treatment facility whose characteristics align with the zoning definition of a nursing home.

The board’s decision follows a contested public hearing in which attorneys and clinicians for the applicant described the program and neighborhood residents and others raised concerns about past permitting, neighborhood impacts and enforcement. Supporters said the facility operates at ASAM level 3.5 with clinical staffing and controlled admissions; opponents said the operator misled the city and neighborhood and that the designation will limit future zoning control.

Kevin Bucheit, a land‑use planner with the law firm Krieg Devault, told the board the item before the panel was to “affirm the 2020 administrative determination of the City of Indianapolis” under Indiana Code 36‑7‑4‑918.1 and the Indianapolis zoning ordinance. He summarized the operation as a licensed, short‑term residential program that provides high‑intensity clinically focused services (ASAM level 3.5), does not provide medical detoxification on site, and uses controlled admissions and discharge protocols. Bucheit also said the facility is licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health and Marion County Public Health and that the building’s size and scale have not expanded since the 1970s.

Valerie Jones Turner identified herself as executive director and corporate clinical director for Hickory and told the board referrals come primarily from hospitals and that the program keeps clients on site through completion, does not allow routine visitors during the program, and maintains anonymity for clients.

Dr. Timothy Kelly, MD, who described himself as a referring clinician at Community North, told the board he views the facility as a “convalescent” form of care for people recovering from substance‑use disorders and said the program is part of regional efforts to treat severe addiction. “This is killing our country,” Dr. Kelly said, arguing residential convalescence is an appropriate zoning analogue. He noted the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development had reviewed the facility and concluded it “aligns with the intent of the ordinance to provide convalescent care.”

Several neighbors and other remonstrators disputed the applicant’s account and raised operational and procedural concerns. Cathy Clark, who lives on East 40th Street and identified a block of about 11 nearby parcels, said she and neighbors were told years ago the nursing home would close and reopen as a drug‑treatment center and described repeated contacts with city staff, a billboard and a web presence that she said contradicted the operator’s representations. Remonstrators reported increased police and fire responses, early‑morning commercial dumpster service, parking and lighting impacts and said they believe the operator was not forthright with the city. One resident who said she previously worked in drug‑and‑alcohol services questioned the program’s business model and success claims.

City staff and the mayor spoke in favor of affirming the Indianapolis administrative determination. City staff described the site’s prior land‑use variance for a nursing home, said most code enforcement issues connected to renovation work have been resolved, and said the Indianapolis administrative determination created an available administrative path under the ordinance for uses not specifically listed. The mayor said the administration would continue to work with residents and the operator to address neighborhood concerns.

The board discussed the limits of the administrative determination. Board members and staff noted the Indianapolis determination imposed conditions and that any physical expansion or change in use would require further review; they also discussed appeal paths and acknowledged that the Metropolitan Development Commission (Indianapolis) could review or overrule local decisions and that appeals could ultimately proceed to court.

After discussion the BZA voted to affirm the administrative determination. The tally was three votes in favor and two opposed; recorded roll‑call names were not provided in the hearing transcript. The board’s approval affirms that, for the purpose of the local zoning code, the facility’s described operation is to be treated similarly to a nursing home.

The board’s ruling resolves the outstanding land‑use enforcement item that city staff said was pending from renovation‑related zoning violations, though opponents said they will pursue additional remedies and some speakers described plans to seek records on emergency‑response runs and other operational impacts.

The decision is subject to appeal under the ordinance and state law; board members discussed the Metropolitan Development Commission as a possible next forum for appeals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lawrence City Board of Zoning Appeals 2.18.25","oneSentenceSummary","The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3‑2 on Feb. 18 to affirm a 2020 Indianapolis administrative determination that a Chosen/Hickory specialty residential substance‑use treatment facility is similar to a nursing home for zoning purposes.","taxTitle","Lawrence City, Marion County, Indiana","taxId",60934,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6031673,"BZA allows Serene Midwifery office at 6621 Olvey Street, limits approval to this petitioner",1012,6886000,7898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5469365-ccd3cf823c16a5dac05687b8daec0793&start=6886&end=7898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5469365-ccd3cf823c16a5dac05687b8daec0793/thumbnail_6886000.jpg","/articles/6031673/Lawrence-City/Marion-County/Indiana/BZA-allows-Serene-Midwifery-office-at-6621-Olvey-Street-limits-approval-to-this-petitioner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6031673-e4205ed8492dffcac5fee961f7551c23/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186670&Signature=CUVeudzpD0UH3kTBvB9XEXUXU-uk6PhuXmVKL2wNOSnD0aj0PZs4CW2ierjnDFWWq5L5vFrUzpHawqOD8yXnNVo9TyL2ipR5IZcCm9HW6VSsWc2gpmlirkZGEbtSfcUjXzHeJsSzXx6ix0BRGUclRiENm-~-0xPWIFYUOPDRxaEBIrKw017jhg98uPjo177euGuuUE1l8DspScQ1CJK8VwWrfD9oBhQaN-kbrq62Liadr~Ang1A2g-cQybGzLhsJP01HFO2yN2aLqBDFayms~bTZNBYGOgCE-W2-kQZ0FxtD2ezEErSApYeeU7xhTn~X0Cb2Cwmk3YSRYRi~qM2TPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 18 approved a variance allowing a midwifery medical office (Serene Midwifery) at 6621 Olvey Street in a D‑5 residential district, and the board limited the approval to the current petitioner. The board recorded the motion and vote to bind the variance to the petitioner’s midwifery practice.

Petitioner April Brake said she has practiced midwifery for 10 years, is licensed to provide home‑birth services in Indiana and operates a small practice that sees roughly 50–60 clients per year (about six deliveries annually). She told the board the office would emphasize a residential appearance, use a back entrance on Pendleton Pike for client access and schedule prenatal visits mainly on Tuesdays and Thursdays to limit traffic. A small part‑time staff was described: two midwives and two nurses working part time; the petitioner said the office would not be a birth center and clients give birth at home.

Three local medical professionals and longtime clients spoke in support, describing the clinical benefits of midwifery care, the value of a low‑stress, family‑friendly office and the convenience for growing families. City staff supported the petition and said the surrounding area contains mixed uses and that a small home‑style medical office is compatible with the neighborhood. Mr. Michael Zbarger asked whether the variance could be limited; the petitioner and staff agreed to a petitioner‑specific limitation and the board incorporated that restriction into its motion.

The board voted in favor of the variance with the petitioner‑only limitation. The approval allows Serene Midwifery to operate its outpatient prenatal and postpartum practice at 6621 Olvey Street under the conditions discussed at the hearing.","The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a licensed midwifery medical office at 6621 Olvey Street in a D‑5 district, with the approval limited to the petitioner (Serene Midwifery). Supporters, including clients and local nurses, described the practice’s small caseload and family‑oriented care model.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6031678,"BZA approves variance allowing recycled‑asphalt millings as permanent surface for landscaping company site",461,6370000,6831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5469365-ccd3cf823c16a5dac05687b8daec0793&start=6370&end=6831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5469365-ccd3cf823c16a5dac05687b8daec0793/thumbnail_6370000.jpg","/articles/6031678/Lawrence-City/Marion-County/Indiana/BZA-approves-variance-allowing-recycledasphalt-millings-as-permanent-surface-for-landscaping-company-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6031678-d4db0ecc07100f1acc65fd699cf00c31/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186670&Signature=INKSHizoDhEizxHz3EIWoVh3www6zgJ9CVr1XYlQzNpz35ZEzF8DgPn5vb~RydCWjBz-bDkkmUIQhE~EFSeEf1wqmn9kQUjJuXfG8MHQvZ6qJ7GaT-mgg-XIYhg3ETXZWX2v2lKLuQuLY9yQoNIuMfcMVBcIF4~spiK5U3-MNexVTNz6e2TG3jy~J2kwaHkWhZCj5Jb9Q6iWqd5~xWlwixrfcgY1o9klrQNhJ7cTaeFK4jdkzAoASUFGzPNHcnHrfDioPaUAWIq74DYQU9rejzqmUHihmyy51ae4uDMNpIafxfB3FzR3lCbQbOvfCOZaJxWP2rKzl869rFkwz8of2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance on Feb. 18 to allow compacted recycled‑asphalt millings (recycled aggregate) as a permanent surface at a BGP Development LTD site on Macy Court (case 24LSV1010345). The petitioner said the existing millings will remain where equipment is stored and that employee parking and visitor areas will be paved.

Applicant representative Chris Sears said the millings are an aggregate base already in place and that keeping the compacted base will aid drainage and reduce puddling for a landscaping company that will operate from the site. City staff supported the request, noting a recent similar approval for another landscaping business and describing the parcel as existing industrial use with no nearby residential well field or neighborhood that would be affected.

There were no remonstrators. The board approved the variance without recorded opposition. The approval lets the site retain a porous, less‑impervious surface option for storage and equipment parking while requiring paved areas where customers or employees need regular parking access.

The board’s action was recorded as unanimous approval; no additional conditions were announced at the hearing.","The Lawrence BZA unanimously approved a variance allowing compacted recycled‑asphalt millings to serve as a permanent surface for equipment storage at a landscaping company site on Macy Court. City staff said the area is industrial and that porous aggregate will reduce impervious area.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawrence BZA affirms Indianapolis finding that Hickory residential substance‑use treatment is similar to a nursing home, 3‑2

BZA allows Serene Midwifery office at 6621 Olvey Street, limits approval to this petitioner

BZA approves variance allowing recycled‑asphalt millings as permanent surface for landscaping company site