A new assisted living home is coming to Lindenwood.
Community Board (CB) 10 gave the green light for Birch Family Services to move into a two-family home on 80th Street. The new facility will house up to six young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities.
Before CB 10 members gave their approval, they asked about services, security and staff.
There will be three patients to a floor, and at least two staffers on each level, according to Lester Kaufman, executive vice president of Birch Family Services.
Kaufman said anyone who applies to work at the home goes through a rigorous vetting process. He told the board that in addition to background checks, staffers go through a full training process.
He added that the home has an open-door policy that allows neighbors to voice any concerns they have, while clinical specialists and supervisors will be on hand at the facility.
Residents of the home will be among the community during the day for shopping and recreation, all of which Kaufman said will be supervised.
CB 10 Chairperson Betty Braton said there are currently 15 similar facilities in the area, and that there has never been a major problem.
“This board has numerous facilities of this nature within our board area,” she said. “All of our other facilities have not impacted negatively upon the community. These are people who would be living in our communities if they didn’t have the needs that require additional assistance.”
Kaufman said the community was doing a good service by allowing his firm to come in.
“It’s really something you can be proud of,” he said. “We’re all going to be proud to be a part of your community.”
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