Manchester sober house seeks variance to house more residents
The owner of a Manchester sober house for women will go before the city's zoning board this week, seeking a variance to allow the property to house additional residents.
The variance request for 117 Ramsay St., sought by Persephanie Lesperance of Grandmaison Recovery Homes, appears on the agenda for the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting this Thursday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Grandmaison Recovery Homes already operates a sober house for women at the site, with each unit allowed to house four unrelated individuals — accommodating up to eight residents.
'However, to better address the growing need for safe housing for women in recovery, we propose adjusting the occupancy limits to six residents in apartment one and seven in apartment two,' writes in a letter to city officials that accompanies her application.
In the variance application, owner Alicia Grandmaison says increasing the number of residents 'won't be disturbing anyone.'
'Residents are typically out at work, school or therapy during the day — there is a curfew and rules are enforced,' Grandmaison writes. 'Sober living contributes positively to the community. Our homes help women reintegrate into society, promoting stability and decreasing the burden on local social services.'
Lesperance says supporting the change will enable Grandmaison Recovery to offer 'safe, supportive housing for women protected under the Federal Fair Housing Act.'
'The women live and function as a family, sharing responsibilities for chores and family dinners and holding weekly meetings to discuss community topics,' Lesperance writes.
Operations and house managers ensure resident support through regular drug and alcohol screenings and weekly check-ins. All residents must be employed and participate in a 12-step recovery program.
'Our primary goal is to foster a positive community for women in recovery,' Lesperance writes. 'Our top priority is maintaining a good neighbor policy. We remain focused on keeping our property clean and well-maintained. We discreetly screen our smoking area with shrubs and adhere to a regular landscaping schedule. We also encourage residents to ensure they clean up after using the playground when their children visit, fostering personal responsibility and enhancing curb appeal for our neighbors' enjoyment.'
Grandmaison warns without the variance, 'it can cause individuals in recovery to be forced into inadequate housing, or exacerbating their addiction due to lack of support.'
'We firmly believe this reasonable accommodation will benefit the city and our residents,' Lesperance writes.
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