The House of Pride got a thumbs up from Dover Planning Commission Aug. 18 for making the necessary improvements to its facilities and bringing them up to city codes.
“There’s still a few small issues but for the most part, I’m satisfied that they’ve come into compliance,” said Tim Mullaney, code inspector for the city.
A group that provides treatment, counseling and housing for men with substance abuse problems, the House of Pride came under scrutiny in January after inspections to its properties on New Street failed to meet city requirements. At issue were electric outlets and other potential fire hazards that House of Pride Director Marion Harris had previously said would be fixable.
She was right.
However, the commission requested an explanation of what kind of housing is offered and wants the group to provide that information within another six-month deadline.
“I’m not comfortable that we’ve been given a clear picture of what the uses are,” said Ann Marie Townshend, director of planning and inspections.
The group offers a mix of housing for recovery participants, those who have completed the recovery and are transitioning, and men who have successfully completed both phases and are renting living space.
House of Pride Attorney Sandra Dean said they do not have dedicated homes for the recovery, transitional and rental space. With 15 men currently enrolled, she said it would require moving men from one house to another. Also, in the event there weren’t enough men in the recovery program, she said they wouldn’t want to have a house stand empty while others might be at capacity.
Dean asked that the group be considered a philanthropic one, allowing all the programs they offer to fall under that category.
However, Dean said the House of Pride will make the changes if need be.
“We’ll live with it either way,” she said. “Ninety-nine percent of it, we’ll be in good shape.”
And she was pleased commissioners closed the public hearing portion of the House of Pride application, saying that meant the group won’t have to spend money to advertise a public hearing.
A few commissioners expressed concern they might be intruding on the House of Pride’s operations and the services it provides.
“I think we’ve belabored this about long enough,” said Commissioner William DiMondi.
Commissioner Robert Welch echoed his sentiment.
“We’re splitting hairs,” he said. “We have to be careful that we’re not doing their job.”
Email Melissa K. Steele at melissa.steele@doverpost.com.
