Push To Reopen Troy Veterans Center Continues
The owner of a once unlicensed living facility, shut down by the state fire marshal, is hoping to reopen. But the idea is receiving some push back from the city of Troy’s board of adjustments.
Clarence Scott is trying to get the board to allow him to reopen the Troy Veterans Center – what he says is a short-term group home. He says that there will be no more than about a dozen people in the center at one time. Scott’s attorney, Lewis Gillis, says there’s no contract and that a person’s stay is voluntary.
But, what exactly the building is used for raised a lot of questions. Scott said it’s a place for people to get back on their feet, he says the VA and hospitals have directed people to his center.
The state fire marshal shut the place down after an inspection revealed code violations. Gillis says there was an alleged 48 violations that will be addressed and contractor would work to bring the building up to code.
The board expressed concern over Scott holding residents’ medicine under lock and key and being responsible for distribution. They were also questions raised about Scott receiving some residents’ social security money.
There was also concerned expressed over a 911 call where first responders were allegedly unable to get inside the building. Scott says this was inaccurate and that there was a gate open.
The board tried to deny Scott’s attempts, but in a 3 to 1 vote that motion failed.
Now the board is meeting with the city attorney on how to move forward. Gillis says they will be back at next month’s meeting.
