The Town of Harmony approves the conditional use permit for a group home on Highway 14 to continue operating.

The Jessie Crawford Recovery Center had been operating in the former Pine Tree Inn near North Harmony Town Hall Road without the proper zoning.

Community members raised concerns because some of the group home’s residents are listed on the sex offender registry.

James Crawford runs the recovery center and said their facility treats people who are recovering drug and alcohol abusers.

If those people weren’t staying at their center, Crawford said the sex offenders would be out in the community like many others.

At the Highway 14 location, the residents have to follow strict rules and are under constant surveillance with cameras and ankle bracelets.

The town’s planning and zoning committee approved the permit with conditions to maintain the building, proper licensing and security.