By Mary Drier (Contact / Staff Bio)
December 6, 2008 - 12:03 p.m. EST

AKRON — Whenever the weather breaks, Bill and Lisa Pickett have preliminary approval to expand their business.

On Tuesday, the Akron Village Planning Commission approved the Picketts’ L&W Properties, LLC company’s request for a zoning change to Residential B from Agricultural for seven acres on the back of their property of the Bridges Assessment Center they own on Ringle Road.

The Picketts believed all of the property had been rezoned when it was done several years ago in order to build their youth center. However, it was later determined the property they bought is actually two separate parcels.

The initial zoning change was just on the five front acres of the property, and not the back, explained village Clerk Sheri Hadaway on the necessity for the hearing.

“We aren’t planning an expansion at the moment but we want to get it done just in case,” said Lisa Pickett, noting long-range plans are to build two more units like the ones that are on the front part of the property which have two 50-foot by 70-foot ranch-style homes and a pole barn.

“It’s just speculation at this point and we are looking ahead.”

The Picketts noted if the expansion were to be done, it would add 24 more beds and about 30 more jobs.

Bridges Assessment Center is a facility for court-placed neglect and abuse youths.

“We provide a homelike atmosphere but in a structured environment,” said Bill Pickett.

The youths attend classes on site, and there is an activity room for them there as well.

Village President Mike Krause, who was an audience member at the meeting, complimented the Picketts on the program they run.

“We’ve had no problems with the center,” said Krause. “It’s a good place, a good neighbor and good for the community.”

Hadaway also complimented accomplishments of the center.

“They help out with the Bean Festival. They are hardworking, very respectful and well-behaved,” said Hadaway.

The Picketts started their Bridges Assessment program in 1998. Their first location was the former Thane School at 2515 E. Akron Rd., Caro.

The philosophy of Bridges Assessment is to do assessments on youths and to change their behavior in a positive way. The center is for youths who are non-violent offenders for whom jail is not an appropriate placement.

The planning commission’s recommendation to approve the zoning change now goes to the Akron Village Council at their next meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.