Coffee County Planning Commission turned down a proposed rezoning request from Be the Bush Ministry during a recent meeting. The organization wants to move its drug recovery facility to the old Jones School building in Riley Creek Road.
The committee rejected the request to recommend a permitted use change 5-0, sending on the matter to full commission if the group desires.
Be the Bush Ministry was represented by retired Judge and now attorney Craig Johnson who said that in being a religious organization the Constitution affords the group the right to not be limited under religious organization exemption, but he said that Be the Bush wants to proceed properly with the blessing of the county.
Founder Caleb McCall said that there are currently 13 men in the program and that they receive constant supervision under a strictly structured life. The program last 12 months.
Coffee County District Attorney Craig Northcott objected, calling the relocation of the campus to Riley Creek Road a public safety risk.
Northcott added they don’t have a single person on their staff, not one, that is trained in drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.
Information courtesy of the Manchester Times
