Neighbors Protest Plan to Convert Cabins Into Housing for Domestic Violence Victims

A residential treatment facility in Sand Springs wants to expand and requested a permit to turn 12 cabins into temporary housing for women escaping domestic violence.

A Sand Springs residential treatment facility is looking to expand and has requested a permit to turn 12 cabins into temporary housing for women escaping domestic violence.

Neighbors came to the Sand Springs Planning Commission meeting Monday to voice their concerns about the project, including a potential decrease in property values and traffic issues.

The property is located a few hundred feet from Northwoods Elementary School near 81st West Avenue and Old North Road. Some neighbors are concerned about the lack of sidewalks and lighting in the area, which would mean the women would have to walk beside or on the road for two miles before reaching the nearest bus stop.

Others are concerned about the lack of security for the property and the possibility that some of the families may be illegal immigrants.

The executive director of the facility, called The Spring, attempted to reassure neighbors.

“I would like to remind people that the people we serve are victims of crimes,” said Leslie Clingenpeel, executive director of The Spring. “They have had a crime committed to them, and they're with us to get help to be able to stay out of that. Our entire job is making sure that they're safe and so we do not take lightly the safety of our victims, and the clients that we serve, and we want to be mindful of our neighbors as well.”

The Planning Commission recommended the city council approve the permit, but several homeowners said they plan to appeal the decision.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for November 18 at 6:00 p.m.