SAFFORD — A proposed alcohol rehabilitation facility was denied by the City of Safford, not because of a lack of need but because of the apparent disappearance of the developer.
At its most recent meeting, the Safford City Council voted unanimously to reject the application for a condition use permit for Graham House, a proposed rehab facility at 110 W. 5th St.
The developer, James Demasi, had proposed an in-house treatment facility, with medical staff on site. In his application, he equated the operation to “an extended stay mortal (motel) new patients/guests coming and staying for a few weeks until they complete the recovery program.”
However, Jaime Embick, director of Planning and Community Development for the city, explained that Demasi failed to attend a required meeting with neighboring property owners, failed to attend the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on his application, and has not responded to city requests for additional information.
“Staff has discussed the lack of response from the applicant with our attorney. The requested information was not provided for staff to present to council at a public hearing,” Embick said.
Following the recommendations of both the Planning and Zoning Commission and Embick, the council unanimously and without discussion voted to deny the application.
Demasi can reapply in six months, but the entire public hearing process must be repeated.
