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Board of Appeals denies request for assisted living facility in Pine Knoll

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The Manning Board of Appeals denied a request Monday evening from Purpose SC to establish a residential care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Pine Knoll neighborhood. The decision came after hours of deliberation and public comments from both supporters and opponents.

Purpose SC’s Executive Director, LaTonya Williams, presented the proposal, emphasizing the organization’s mission to provide community-based housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “These individuals are highly functional and have lived together as family for years,” Williams said. “We’ve put significant resources into this home to create a safe, supportive, and independent living environment for them.”

The facility would have housed four adults with intellectual disabilities, supervised around the clock by trained staff. Williams highlighted the organization’s national accreditation and its history of operating similar homes without incident. However, residents of Pine Knoll raised concerns about the potential impact on their tight-knit neighborhood, citing safety, property values, and zoning laws.

Kass Varn, a retired teacher and longtime resident, expressed her opposition. “We’ve lived here for decades, and this neighborhood has always been a place where families know each other and children feel safe,” she said. “We just want to preserve that atmosphere.”

Other residents echoed similar concerns, pointing to the precedent such an exemption might set and fears about the behavior of the facility’s residents. Some also questioned the track record of Purpose SC’s leadership and operations elsewhere, referencing legal and regulatory issues associated with its parent organization.

Chairman Mark Bellamy clarified the nature of the request. “This is not a rezoning,” Bellamy explained. “This is a special exemption to allow this specific operation in a residential district. The property would remain residential.”

Despite these clarifications, the Board ultimately voted to deny the request, citing overwhelming community opposition. The motion to deny was supported unanimously by the Board, with Bellamy summarizing the decision: “We are here to convey the will of the people, and based on their input, this is not a good fit for this neighborhood.”

In his closing remarks, Bellamy commended Purpose SC for its efforts. “I applaud you for trying to do what’s best for those who need services. Please don’t let this decision hinder your mission. Sometimes a place is just not a good fit for certain projects, but your work remains vital.”

Residents left the meeting feeling vindicated in their efforts to protect Pine Knoll’s residential character. The issue, however, highlighted the neighborhood’s ability to unite across political and cultural divides to advocate for their shared vision.

The Board’s decision does not preclude Purpose SC from seeking other locations for the facility. For now, the organization’s plans for 640 Pickwood Drive are on hold.