Blackburn Withdraws Proposal For Northport Group Home

NORTHPORT, AL — A conditional use application for a proposed group home facility for children on 8th Street in Northport was withdrawn by the property owner after being presented to the city's Planning & Zoning Commission Tuesday. Vocal opposition from several residents of the area saw a range of concerns presented and ultimately the measure never made it to a Commission vote.

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The request was made by Shawn Blackburn, the owner of the lot. Blackburn, a city employee and former mayoral candidate, is an outspoken advocate for the area and hoped to redevelop the 0.60-acre lot at 820 8th Street in an effort to jumpstart revitalization.

While an engineer for the project said the proposal called for more of a facility than a home, the exterior would have featured a more residential design.

Several residents of the area addressed the Commission in opposition to the proposed facility. Some asked questions regarding who would be housed there, the level of security that would be offered and the proximity of a large structure to other residential properties.

Ricky Wilson, a resident of 9th Street, addressed commissioners and said the proposed group home would be 50 to 100 feet from his front door.

"Why right there? I’ve been there about 30 years and it's just a quiet, nice neighborhood," he said. "I work 12-hour shifts at DCH. Am I going to have to put cameras around my house now? Am I going to have to get guard dogs? I just don’t understand why someone would want to put a facility there, in someone else’s neighborhood, right in front of their house."

Blackburn took to the podium to address the concerns and immediately motioned to withdraw his proposal. He also commended those involved with speaking up.

"Isn’t this democracy at its best? I’ve sat where you guys sit, and I commend you for the work you’ve done here tonight," he said to the Commission. "I am not going to fall out with my neighbors because of a piece of property and an idea."

He then looked to those sitting in the crowd and said their families had known each other all of their lives and he would opt to not move forward.

"I’ve had the opportunity to talk to each and every one of these gentlemen, and I guess I was glowing so much and talking so positive about it, I didn’t get a lot of negative feedback," Blackburn said. "But as I understand how you feel today, guys I'm not going to put us through this, I’m just not ... I just need these guys to help me figure out what to do with the empty lot."

While the Commission did not have to take any action, Blackburn was applauded for his decorum and willingness to listen to people in the community.

"I appreciate what you want to do and I want you to know that I think that’s a great thing," said Commissioner James McKinney. "My parents raised foster children, so I know what it's like for people to need a home and I hope this won’t stop you from pursuing this somewhere that it can be a bit better. But I do appreciate what you want to do."

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