The settlement of a lawsuit against Monroe County could pave the way for Sojourn House to operate a home for up to eight trafficked and exploited women on East Kerr Creek Road.
After neighbors complained last year, the Monroe County Board of Appeals denied Sojourn House an application for a zoning variance. It later refused to hear an amended application.
Sojourn House then filed a lawsuit, alleging that the board violated the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Under a settlement approved Oct. 9 by the county commissioners, the zoning board must hear the amended application for a variance.
If it’s granted, Monroe County’s insurance company will pay $135,000 to Sojourn House for dismissal of its legal claims.
If the variance isn’t granted, litigation will resume.
The settlement also sets conditions for residents of the facility, including prohibitions on people with records of violent criminal activity and substance use.
Sojourn House must also implement rules for evictions and departures, conduct random drug testing and have anyone who breaks rules on alcohol and drug use removed from the program.
Sojourn House also must maintain proper licensing and accreditation and keep an ‘access list’ of all authorized personnel for the facility.
The next meeting of the zoning board of appeals is November 6.
Read more: Federal judge moves women’s shelter lawsuit back to local court
