Savannah denies zoning change for proposed treatment facility after public hearing

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of Savannah hosted a public hearing regarding a proposed  Zoning District change to the property at 908 Franciscan Way.

The property is currently zoned to the R-3 Multi-Family Residential District. The current owners and potential buyers are proposing to change the zoning to C-3 General Commercial District to open a substance use disorder treatment facility.

Many residents from the community attended the meeting to ask questions and voice concerns. Several residents said the facility is unnecessary and could pose safety risks.

After the hearing, the city came to a vote and decided to deny the Zoning District change.

Brandi Sharp, a Savannah resident, said the best thing about the town is that when residents care deeply about an issue, the entire community unites together.

"We've seen it with our pool, we're trying to raise funds for, and the community really came and showed that we're not naive to the fact that these sorta places are needed," she said. "Our community is not the correct place for this sort of building and to be able to hold something with that stature."

Sharp said it was tremendous for the board to listen to the community.

"That is huge. I know a lot of us were really worried, and not everyone is fortunate to live in towns where the community and board hear and listen to their support," she said. "We were heard and supported tonight, and that just means so much to the community."

Overall, Sharp said it was huge to see so many different people from the community come out and show their support.