A proposal to rezone the former Jennings Guest House to be used as a sober house for those struggling with life-controlling issues was voted down Tuesday by the Jennings City Council.

Council members Johnny Armentor, Clifton Lejeune and Carolyn Simon voted in favor of rezoning the former nursing home from A-1 residential to A-6, which allows for group homes, to open The Way Training Center. Council President Steve VanHook voted against the rezoning with Councilman Anthony LeBlanc abstaining from the vote. Four affirmative votes were needed to approve the rezoning.

The Way Training Center wants to rezone the property, which is located at 203 South Louise Street in a residential neighborhood. The building was condemned by the city in 2022 after it was deemed unsafe and in need of major repairs.

Although the city denied the rezoning requisition, Mayor Henry Guinn said The Way can resubmit another  zoning request and restart the process again.

“I am not pleased with the way things turned out,” Guinn said after the meeting. “Obviously there are going to be people for and against it. I hope The Way continues to push for unity in Jennings and that we actually work together to find a parcel that can take care of our residents that have issues. That can be accomplished through mutual conversations.”

At least two speakers during the meeting also urged the council and The Way to work together to find a solution to the issue. Others voiced concerns of what the rezoning would mean for the future of the residential area and the values of their homes.

“My objective as mayor is to find a meaningful solution that avoids controversial zoning conversations, but still allows for us to take care of people in need,” Guinn said. “That is what we are elected to do.”

The Way Director Gerard Morgan declined to comment on the council’s decision after the meeting, but stated that the center will continue to move forward on its plans.

The Way has a buy/sell agreement with current property owners Acadiana Cares pending the outcome of the zoning request.

Morgan said The Way is a Christian discipleship training program to train and equip individuals  with life-controlling issues including drug or alcohol addictions, depression, anger issues and gambling problems. It is not a rehab or addiction center, he said. In addition, residents will be screened and no violent or sex offenders or those with mental health issues will be allowed.