Delphi to get social services complex
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

The controversy over a proposed social services complex finally achieved a direction at both the Oct. 23 Carroll County Area Plan Commission (APC) and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meetings.

North Central Health Services (NCHS) was successful in a bid for a variance for a primary subdivision approval from APC and a special exception from the BZA to bring their plan of building a 12,000 square foot facility to fruition. However, the decisions were not without opposition from some neighbors. The process took close to four hours to unfold.

Opponents explained the proposed facility would not generate tax revenue, would be a significant violation of a zoning principle of combining residential and commercial interests, and would be a commercial development magnet. They voiced concern about traffic and safety for area children.

Proponents spoke about the benefits of consolidating five social services agencies and the ability to provide additional medical services to low-income families and individuals.

NCHS CEO and President John Walling explained he approached the city one year ago and "was told they were welcome."

Delphi Mayor Lee Hoard, noting that Prince William Road is not in good shape, promised city support for the project. He said department heads are committed to helping in any way possible.

John Hampton, Delphi City Council member appointed to APC, determined there had not been a traffic or road impact study done by NCHS or the city. He said the city developed a land use plan in the mid-90s and the area was zoned residential at that time. He questioned whether or not the county area plan could overrule the city's zoning ordinance.

Hampton said the city council voted to send a message of opposition at its Oct. 1 meeting. Since that time, the mayor and two other council members changed their votes to support the project at the selected site.

After a lengthy discussion and public comment time, area plan voted five-to-one to approve the variance and to send a favorable recommendation to the BZA. BZA voted unanimously in favor of the project at the selected site.