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Marietta City Council members on Feb. 12 voted 4-2 to approve the extension of the special land use permit for the church to operate the program at residence. Councilmen Johnny Walker and Andy Morris voted against the proposal. Walker said he voted against the request because he preferred to see a time limit on how long the permit could be in place before it would have to come back to the city for possible renewal.

“I was trying to look out (for the people) in that area,” he said. “I think they do good things, but some people don’t want a business like that in their neighborhood.”

A woman who owns property on Birney Street praised the church’s program, but expressed concern about its impact on property values in the area.

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Another resident, Don Barth, told the City Council he would not want a program like the Harmony House in his neighborhood.

“It’s a great thing, but there got to be bigger pieces of property,” he added.

Green told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that none of the clients have had any trouble with neighbors since the program has been in place. He said the program is viewed as a service to the community since it helps former jail inmates who may not have the structure in place to resume a life without trouble.

“The best thing we do is get them directly into a safe living space as soon as they leave the jail,” he said.

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