Ridgway care home? Posted by Erin Eddy

Hope’s Journey Rehabilitation Center Takes a Step Forward
by Christopher PikeSep 23, 2008 | 45 views | 0 | 0 | | Planning Commission Recommends Approval of LUC Amendment

RIDGWAY – A movement to create a rehabilitation center for burn victims in Ouray County took a step forward last week. On Sept. 16 the Ouray County Planning Commission recommended approval of an amendment to the county land use code that would make “assisted living residence” a conditional use for lands in the Valley Zone. The application for the amendment, made by Solid Rock Foundation Ministries, prevailed with a 3-2 vote, with commissioners Ken Lipton and Bob Luttrell in opposition.

Solid Rock, operated by David and Kathleen Tabor, disclosed that the amendment would enable them to open a rehabilitation center for children or adults with severe burns. The foundation intends to purchase a parcel on Cutler Creek Drive in Ridgway, formerly the Ponderosa Care Home. The Ponderosa facility was approved as an assisted living center decades ago under a less stringent permit process that expired when the facility was closed, according to Interim County Planner Marc Castrodale.

The Tabors said their rehabilitation facility would have an emphasis on providing transitional service for patients, including psychological attention. “We’re not a hospital but an opportunity to help kids regain their identity,” said Kathleen Tabor.

Charity Freeland, Montrose resident, spoke in favor of the proposal. In 1993, at the age of 17, Freeland was in a horrific car accident that left second and third degree burns over 75 percent of her body. A visit to Colorado during the healing process sparked her dream of opening a home where burn victims could transition back into life outside the hospital. Freeland’s dream, now known as Hope’s Journey International, was the spark for the effort to create such a home in Ouray County.

The proposed amendment would also enable other facilities, such as a senior assisted living residence, to be considered by the county on a case-by-case basis. Supporters of that point included Ouray residents Roger and Angie Henn, who said they might need such a facility in the future.

Neighbors of the proposed facility, including the Lane and Wenande families, lodged their objections to the amendment. They maintained that the proposed center would bring noise, from traffic and recreational activities close to their homes. The Lanes also claimed their property values would be negatively impacted.

Commissioner Lipton expressed reservations due to the potential size and scope of future facilities. “You’re asking to change the entire land use code, not just one property,” he said. “I’m concerned about a mega-facility that might come in.” He suggested that these facilities only be permitted in new planned unit developments or subdivisions, not in or near existing developments that might have their values impacted.

A provision to require appropriate licensing by applicants was attached to the motion by Commissioner Linda Ingo, who voted in favor.

The next stage for the proposal will be consideration by the Ouray County Board of Commissioners.

Posted by Erin Eddy - Ridgway Land