Our Cornerstone Neighborhood in Owasso, OK is a cherished and peaceful community, filled with families and children who have made this area their home. The serene environment we’ve worked hard to build and maintain is currently at risk due to a proposed variance permit that seeks to rezone the residence at 15818 E 77th St North for a group home or an IDD Crisis Support Home.

Benchmarks program aims to provide critical, time-limited crisis services for individuals with developmental and behavioral health (acute crisis emphasis) disabilities. While this is undoubtedly a noble cause, the introduction of such a facility in the heart of our family-centric neighborhood raises several concerns. Safety is our utmost priority, and the establishment of a crisis support home introduces potential risks that we must consider seriously. The increased traffic to accommodate such a facility would disrupt our quiet cul-de-sac, endangering children who play freely on our streets. Noise levels are likely to rise, altering the peaceful atmosphere we cherish every day.

Our concerns are further amplified by the potential decline in home values. Real estate is a substantial investment and for many, our primary asset. The location of a crisis or group home within close proximity can adversely affect our property values, an outcome none of us want to bear.

According to Oklahoma statutes S 60-863,  new crisis homes can be permitted if more than 1,200 feet away from currently existing one. There is a reason this statute is in place – to balance the necessary services provided to individuals in crisis and the preservation of neighborhood safety and stability. Granting this variance does not adhere to this balanced approach and sets a potentially harmful precedent for our community.

It's crucial to find a location that supports the goals of the Benchmark program without compromising the integrity and safety of our neighborhood. We urge the governing bodies to consider these implications thoroughly and deny the variance permit requested by Joseph Bickford.

Please, join us in protecting our neighborhood and ensuring a safe environment for our families by signing this petition.