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i ' . . September 22, 1993 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Page 4 Notwithstanding the definition in the preceding sentence, a family shall be deemed to include four or more persons living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit, if said persons are handicapped persons as defined in Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. Such unrelated persons shall have the right to occupy a dwelling unit in the same manner and to the same extent as any family unit as defined in the first sentence of this definition. Ms. Lever gave an overview of the proposed amendment and reviewed several examples of other municipalities' definitions of "family. " Chairperson Marsh asked Mr. Hill to review the Staff Report. Mr. Hill read Mr. Goldman's memo to the Plan Commission dated September 14, 1993 which is a part of the file and becomes part of this record by reference. Mr. Marsh stated that he had reservations concerning the density in neighborhoods. Ms. Lever responded that the density would be no more than that allowed an ordinary family occupying the same residence. Ms. Ratner stated that she feels that there is not enough information submitted to guarantee that this is the best approach to rectify the problem at hand because it may have far reaching unforeseen effects. She feels that the other option of adding "group homes" as a permitted use may be more appropriate. It is unfortunate that the procedural constraints force the Commission to vote on the application when there is still more consideration ahead. She can not, in good conscience, recommend the proposed definition at this time. She further stated that the change in the family definition should also be considered again at the next meeting to see how it compares with the proposal from the Zoning Code consultant. Ms. Kreishman feels that the family definition may be outdated and it should be analyzed in conjunction with square footage requirements. However, there is not enough information at this time to make a positive recommendation on the proposal before her and she will therefore have to vote against it. Mr. Safe stated that he agrees the family definition should be updated and that it should deal with alternative families among other things. However, he will vote against the proposed definition because at this time and he is not sure it is the best choice. Ms. Ratner moved that the Plan Commission recommend denial of the proposed Text Amendment to fi34-90, Definition of "Family" as submitted by Oxford House-Amherst with the understanding that alternative methods of including "group homes" or changing the definition of "family" which may possibly accommodate Oxford House-Amherst will be explored at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Peniston and passed by a vote of 6 - O. m-9-22.plc