By John Howell Sr.

Batesville aldermen approved a conditional use permit that will allow the Evangelistic Outreach Deliverance Ministry to operate a group home at its 125 Martinez Street facility.

The 4-0 vote followed a public hearing where ministry spokesman Florida Jackson described plans to house young people from age 12 to 21 under the supervision of the Department of Human Services.
Presently, “they don’t have a group home close around and they … send the children so far out of town that the parents couldn’t get to them,” Jackson told the mayor and aldermen.

The Evangelistic Outreach Deliverance Ministry is currently authorized to operate a 24-hour day care at the facility, but there are currently no children enrolled, she said.

“Tell them what the problem is, why children would be placed there,” said Batesville Code Administrator Pam Comer, who introduced Jackson.

“When they are having problems in their home and they are taken out, they are being sent to Memphis, Jackson, Nashville — all those different places. These are going to be children that are having problems in their homes and the state has taken them out of their homes. We’ll be housing them till either they get 21 or the state will find them another place, a foster home to go to.”

Responding to a question from Mayor Jerry Autrey, Jackson said that the number of residents would be determined by the licensing agency.

Comer told aldermen that the Batesville Planning Commission had recommended the conditional use request. There was no opposition or comment during the public hearing. After the hearing was ended, Alderman Ted Stewart made the motion to allow it, “as long as state approves it and they abide by city rules and regulations,” he said. Eddie Nabors, Bill Dugger and Stan Harrison joined him.

Alderman Teddy Morrow was absent, attending the funeral of his grandfather.
Aldermen also approved a setback variance for Big Delta Honda to allow an addition to their building on Cracker Barrel Drive. Co-owner Kirk Rowsey appeared at the hearing to describe the plans for his business. The request generated little discussion and no opposition.

The variance had been recommended by the Planning Commission.

Alderman Stewart requested a letter from the city to the Mississippi Home Corporation requesting tax credits for Lester Street and Skyview Apartments owner Wilshire Group that will allow renovation of the property. Tax credits would allow the apartments to be renovated and gated, Stewart said.
Aldermen approved a letter over the mayor’s signature, requesting the tax credits.