ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) —[Update 8/25/26 @6:30 p.m.] The commission unanimously denied the request for rezoning.

[Original article] A proposed group home for young people is drawing concerns from residents of Albany’s Westtown neighborhood. The developer is asking for a special rezoning permit to operate the home.

Neighborhood concerns

People living in the area describe Westtown as a quiet neighborhood for seniors. Some residents say the neighborhood has seen an uptick in crime in recent years.

“The last five years has been really rough,” Westtown resident Calvin Whitaker said.

A proposal to bring a group home into the neighborhood has some residents questioning whether it is the right fit. The applicant, Bryan Chamberlin, declined an on-camera interview.

Applicant’s statement

In a written statement from the applicant provided to WALB:

I am pursuing the development of a group home in the Westtown community in Albany, Georgia, because I believe every young person deserves a safe, structured, and supportive space. This home will provide stability, guidance, and opportunities for personal growth, while also connecting residents with educational and therapeutic resources. My goal is to create a place where residents feel seen, heard, and empowered to build brighter futures. By fostering accountability, skill building, and community engagement, this group home aims to be a steady, positive presence in the lives of local youth.

According to the most recent data from the Georgia Department of Human Services, Dougherty County served almost 1,800 children in its welfare system through the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026.

Neighbors say they understand the need for the home but are concerned children served there won’t be watched or will disrupt their quality of life.

“What we don’t want to happen is someone from the outside coming in, telling us — well, not so much as telling us, but just doing their own little thing and just disrupting the neighborhood. Because this is a nice, quiet, senior neighborhood. With emphasis on senior,” Whitaker said.

Commissioner’s perspective

Conversations about group homes or specialized care facilities come before the Albany City Commission every few months through rezoning request applications. Ward 4 Commissioner Chad Warbington said there is a step he believes should happen before applications reach the commission.

“First thing I say is, have you spoken to the citizens? Have you spoken to the neighbors? I always offer, hey, do you want to get a meeting together? And so the ones that I’ve seen that have been successful are the ones who engage early, talk to neighbors quickly, try to understand what their concerns are, and maybe there’s something they can do to, you know, change what they’re doing, maybe modify their business plan, the layout,” Warbington said.

The Albany City Commission is scheduled to vote on the rezoning request Tuesday, Aug. 25, starting at 6 p.m.

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