Raton Planning and Zoning Board Hears Special Exemption Request
By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Jay Manning with Beehive Homes came before the Planning and Zoning board Wednesday evening May 24th to request a special exemption to be allowed to rent rooms out to individuals at his facility in Raton.
Beehive Homes was originally built to be an assisted living facility that would house 15 seniors. Beehive Homes is located at 1465 Turnesa Street which is in an R4 residential district. The property occupies Block A of the Bartolino Addition and lots five and six of the Country Club addition in west Raton.
Before a packed house at Raton City Hall Manning noted he didn’t come to Raton to fail but due to population and other circumstances the facility has failed. At the time he closed the facility due to the costs of doing business he had three clients at the facility. Another part of the Beehive business is for independent living which is for people who do not require help with meds and other care. Manning is wanting to rent rooms out for the purpose of independent living while he works out the issues for the facility to be recognized by Medicare. He is hoping that this arrangement would be for about a year then return to an assisted living facility.
As an independent living facility there are several house rules that include no house guests, parties or illegal activities. Manning is hoping to rent to traveling doctors and nurses that are in the area for the local hospital. Manning would be renting the rooms for $1000 to $1200 a month. Board Chairman Randy Madison said it sounded like it would be a boarding home to him.
Madison abruptly paused the hearing feeling that Manning had not made his case to become an independent living facility citing that it would be considered a commercial business which is not allowed in a Residential zone. He said the exception was originally made for an assisted living facility as Raton was in great need of such a facility. He then asked the board to discuss the matter. Member Chris Candelario made a motion to table the matter with Madison asking that a motion be made to terminate the hearing and then vote on the issue. The board has denied the Manning’s request he now has 60 days to bring the matter before the Raton City Commission.
