Hillsdale Board Grills Sober Living Home Owner

Tenants in a proposed sober living home on Magnolia Avenue would have to obey three basic rules, according to Donna Lally, the home's owner.

Lally's rules are: 1. no drugs, alcohol or disruptive behavior; 2. the apartment is run as a democracy and; 3. each tenant will pay an equal share of the expenses and chores. The rules were inspired by Oxford House, a national network of group homes for recovering addicts which Lally said she used as a basis for much of her plan. No therapy or treatment will be provided in the home, but Lally said she would help the tenants access existing resources in the area.

The plan, to house as many has four "professional men" recovering from addictions, has drawn concern from residents because of the home's proximity to George G. White Middle School. Lally previously testified and began answering questions from the board and public at a meeting in February. She continued answering questions about her tenant selection process and how the men living in the home would share the responsibilities of running the home Wednesday.

Board member Meredith Kates noted that Oxford Houses have at least six tenants because that is the minimum number they believe is required for a successful democracy among the residents.

"They will govern themselves just as a family will dictate chores to members of the family," Lally's attorney, Allen Bell, said.

Lally also described the interview process she had used with her one current tenant. The man, whose family she coincidentally knew "years ago" through business, was recommended to her by an interventionist. She then interviewed the man and others who had been involved in his rehab process, and Googled him as a background check. Lally said she would be willing to pay for a full background check for future tenants.

Sex offenders would not be allowed in the home because of its proximity to the school. Lally said she would also not accept anyone with convictions for violent crimes or dealing drugs. Some lesser crimes, like DUIs, are "par for the course" for former addicts, she said.

Board members also questioned the throroughness of a rental agreement they requested Lally bring them. The one-page document was "very vague," board member Fred Franco said. It apparently did not mention that Lally would perform random drug tests on the tenants. 

"It should be more detailed so they know what they're getting into," Franco said.

Lally would also have the right to immediately kick out a tenant if they failed a drug test. Each would be charged rent individually, which made some board members question if it would count as a "boarding house." The separate rents would be used to ensure that the remaining tenants would not be responsible for the full cost if one leaves, according to Lally.

Lally said that the tenants would otherwise be expected to share in the finances and chores of keeping the home. They would live together as a social family, she said.

Whether the tenants count as a "family" under the definition in the borough ordinance may be a key part of the application. If the board finds they do count as a family, Lally will not need a use variance.

Bell said the next witness to testify would be professional planner Joseph Burgess, who will address the "family" issue. Bell also said he would like a vote on that question before they continue with the whole application. Board attorney Harold Ritvo advised members to stay away from the issue until then.

Burgess is expected to testify at the next hearing after Lally answers more questions from the public. The next hearing is scheduled for June 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

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