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Neighbors Upset About Sober Living Home In Parker

PARKER, Colo. (CBS4)- There's a battle brewing over a sober living facility in Parker. Some neighbors are upset about the residential home that was turned into a place where dozens of people congregate.

The Town of Parker has been contacted by several people concerned about the use of the home located in Rowley Downs.

"Stunned and shocked," is how homeowners Tom Stockman and his wife reacted when, after moving into their quiet, family-oriented neighborhood in Parker last year, there was a big change five months later.

"A lot of noise and crowds of 30 people smoking, carrying on out back during the breaks," said Stockman.

The home is a sober living house for people recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. It's run by the California-based company Community Recovery.

Clients pay at least $19,000 for the 90-day program. Clients can live in homes, like the one in Rowley Downs, while they receive treatment elsewhere.

"It's not like we're not sympathetic to the mission," said Stockman.

Noise, traffic and HOA violations have him, and other neighbors, upset, along with the uncertainty of what is really happening inside the home.

"We're afraid of some of the behavior that can be there," said Stockman.

Community Recovery CEO Christopher Bathum did not respond to CBS4's calls for comment.

After the Town of Parker nearly kicked out the company, Bathum filed for a "Use by Special Review" permit to keep his business running in the residential-zoned neighborhood.

The Town of Parker is processing that request.

"They've got to work with people and there are accommodations that have to happen on both sides. What we don't know is, is it going to be livable for us once that happens?" asked Stockman.

Before the Town of Parker makes a final decision, two public meetings are scheduled to discuss the issue. The first meeting is 7 p.m. July 9 at the Parker Town Hall. The Town Council will take up the issue at their meeting at 7 p.m. on July 20.

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