Photo illustration by Ralph Pokorny-- This map shows the approximate location of proposed group homes in Nevada.

Jhan Hurn's proposal last Wednesday to the Nevada Park and Recreation Board to build five six-bedroom group homes adjacent to Marmaduke Park was met with responses ranging from support for the concept with reservations and questions about the location, to outright opposition to any more group homes locating in Nevada.

In response, the parks board agreed to take the proposal under consideration, but postponed making a decision until an unspecified date.

Hurn, executive director of Community Support Services, Joplin, told the parks board that when all five group homes are in operation they would house 30 severely developmentally disabled people and employ about 70 professional and para-professional staff, with an annual budget of $3.75 million. He asked that when the parks board makes its decision that the members take the economic development benefit of the project into account.

"These group homes would provide the same level of care that the Habilitation Center provides," Hurn said.

He told the parks board that most of the people he anticipates serving with these homes would be in wheelchairs, with a few going to the workshop.

"They aren't a problem," he said.

The homes, which would meet all ADA and fire safety requirements, would have 24-hour supervision, with LPN/RN support on-site as required. Staff members would use the facilities of the Habilitation Center to provide additional support for the group homes.

Community Support Services currently operates similar facilities in Carthage and Carl Junction that are located in residential areas.

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"The homes look much like any other residence," he said.

Hurn told the board that the reason the company wants to build a cluster of group homes is to make it affordable to provide the level of care that is required for the ICF-MF level of care, which is a Federal Medicaid certification designation.

Hurn said that clustering the homes will allow one LPN to cover multiple homes.

"We are a good fit for this service, as we have 30 years experience in the field," he said.

Tammy Hendren, 600 W. Highland, said that she had concerns about the backgrounds of the people who would be living in the group homes.

She said that her family and other area residents regularly use Marmaduke Park for family reunions and other gatherings.

"We are concerned about people living there with criminal backgrounds," Hendron, who lives directly across Highland Street from the proposed group homes, said.

"We are not planning to take people with criminal backgrounds," Hurn said.

"I think you will find the people in the homes will be well supervised and won't cause any problems. We are good neighbors," Hurn said.

Chris Hendren, Tammy's husband, said that although he is not opposed to the group homes he has concerns about the proposed location -- close to Marmaduke Park, Osage Prairie YMCA and Crowder College.

Hendren said that he grew up with a mentally handicapped brother and he has a good understanding of the challenges involved.

"I think there is a better location," he said.

"Did you only look at city-owned property?" Norlene Hillier, parks board member, asked.

Chris Hendron suggested that there was vacant property directly north of the Habilitation Center that might be an appropriate location for the group homes, since they needed to be close to that facility.

"My question is: Does Nevada want more group homes?" Bill Erwin asked.

He said that he thinks it will hurt property values.

"I personally don't want more group homes or subsidized housing. What we need are tax payers," Erwin said.

"I don't know that my property would be worth as much with that across the street," Chris Hendron said.

When Hurn first approached the city council in 2006 about a location for the group homes, the council directed the city staff to work with him to find a suitable location for the project.

Nevada Planning Director Ron Clow said that he had worked with Hurn to find a location and the city felt that this was the best location for the project. He said that they felt the property closer to the Bowman Building and Crowder College were needed for future expansion of those facilities and to retain the campus atmosphere.

Hurn made a second pitch to the city council during the April 1 meeting, and the council referred him to the parks board for a recommendation on the current proposed location, which is part of Marmaduke Park.