It’s unlikely residents will see sober homes popping up in their Palm Beach neighborhoods any time soon.
Earlier this month, the Town Council declared “zoning in progress,” a measure that essentially halts permits for alcohol and drug-free living environments in town while officials consider how best to regulate them. Council members also directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss an ordinance change at a future meeting.
If there’s one thing the Town of Palm Beach is good at, it’s restricting residential development. They’ve even frustrated people who had the good sense to put bullet-proof glass next to a golf course to the point of razing their house. If they want to keep sober houses off the island, they can turn the task over to the Architectural Commission (ARCOM,) who can bankrupt just about anyone with the “improvements” they require.
I’m not sure why anyone who wants to run a sober house would try to put one on the island. In addition to ARCOM, the real estate prices are dreadfully high. By the time they would have the house set up, they would be out of money to actually help someone with their substance abuse problem.
What will be fun, however, is when the Feds try to put Section 8 housing in Palm Beach…
Chet Aero Marine 