Dear City of Waterloo Aldermen,

As citizens of Waterloo, Illinois, we support the passage of the Zoning Text Amendment below, and its addition as a Special Use in B2 zoning within the city limits of Waterloo.

We understand that this Zoning Text Amendment is not tied to any specific property in the city of Waterloo. Both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals will have oversight and public meetings regarding any request for a Special Use Permit for a “Recovery Residence” in the future. We also understand that the approval of any Special Use in the future is a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

As Waterloo neighbors, we have been diligent in our attempt to understand the issue at hand in its entirety. We are excited to support the addition of this language as part of the permitted special uses in Waterloo. Our community has a need, and you have an opportunity to support the hard work of the Planning Commission and all those involved. This definition is thoughtful, stringent and goes above and beyond the text used by most cities and counties.

Text as approved by the Planning Commission

At the May 19, 2021 Planning Commission meeting, board members voted 6-0 on petition # Z-21-05-01.

The approved "Recovery Residence” definition:

Recovery Residence: A non-profit facility that offers a sober, safe, and healthy living environment that promotes recovery from alcohol and other drug use associated problems. Clients must be voluntary (not required as a part of a prison sentence) and only permitted to leave the residence under direct supervision of employees. The facility must have employees on premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The minimum planned program stay shall be 60 days, and the maximum planned program stay shall be 90 days. Locations shall not exceed 24 residents at any given time. Visitors shall be limited to one visit per resident per week to minimize traffic effects on the area. The residence shall also meet the standards set for by the NARR and be certified by the IAEC within 12 months.