10. 10. 2025, 21:35

Mount Hope, W.Va. On the streets around 100 Bluestone Road, parents talk about kids on bikes, porch lights, and the sound of evening crickets. That picture is what many residents say is at stake as a proposal for a group living facility advances in a largely residential area.

A petition hosted at openpetition.org/!hoper asks county leaders to pause and withdraw support until independent reviews are finished and shared with the public. The comments posted alongside the petition describe a town that wants to help people in recovery and wants a plan that fits its size and resources.

“We already have three low income complexes and more people on the streets,” wrote Brenda Troitino of Mount Hope, who also pointed to two vacant house fires last winter. “Turning that building into a rehabilitation facility would hurt this neighborhood.” Others echoed two themes again and again. “Property value and safety,” wrote Drema Pike. “Safety for citizens and property depreciation,” added Benny Munsey. “We do not have much of a police presence for something like this,” wrote Paul Remy, who said only two officers patrol the town. “To make sure Mt. Hope stays safe for kids,” wrote Jamie Remy.

Residents also question the fit of the location. “I live 100 yards from the building,” wrote Elza Allen Brown. Several commenters said a high needs facility belongs where policing and medical support are stronger, and they mentioned larger nearby cities by name. Others urged leaders to focus first on jobs and small businesses that could lift the tax base.

Another thread is clarity and accountability. Commenters ask for basic facts about who would live at the site, what services would operate, and how emergencies would be handled. “Documents and plans need to be public and vetted so residents are aware of how this will impact their personal lives,” one neighbor wrote. “We believe in second chances, but only if everything is legal, safe, orderly, and known to the public,” wrote another.

The petition lays out specific steps the County can take before any commitment. It asks for a public hearing in Mount Hope with meeting materials posted in advance. It seeks full disclosure of funding and operations, including staffing that provides clinical supervision around the clock. It asks for conflict-of-interest safeguards, leadership vetting through a public service background check, and a neighborhood plan that covers lighting, parking, cameras, trash handling, and coordination with police, fire, and EMS.

The voices in the community expressed in the petition are more defensive than anything else. Signers say they support people who are trying to rebuild their lives, and they also want a plan that protects families who live nearby. In the words of one resident, the town needs “legal, safe, orderly, and publicly known” steps before any green light.

10. 10. 2025, 20:07

Today we clarified process without changing purpose. We still ask the Commission to pause and withdraw support for 100 Bluestone Road until independent reviews are complete and public. We strengthened the hearing step by committing to notice on the Secretary of State website five business days in advance and to post the full packet early so the public can review it. We affirmed FOIA access and kept Section 106 when there is a federal nexus so legal checks happen first. We expanded conflict protections by requiring signed conflict statements and public posting to prevent self dealing. We replaced case specific allegations with a standardized public service background check for principals and on site leaders with identity verification, state and FBI fingerprints, and financial and sanctions disclosures to ensure fairness and accuracy. We updated the dual entity note to reflect current good standing. All finance, staffing, safety, and site plan disclosures remain. The aim is unchanged.


New petition description:

To the Fayette County Commission

We are neighbors from Mount Hope and across the County. We believe in helpingsupport people who are rebuilding their lives and incareful lawful stewardshipuse of public money. We ask the Commission to pause and withdraw County support for the HOPER proposal at 100 Bluestone Road until independent reviews are complete and public.

Good-faith notice.notice: ThisWe petition citescite public sources. If anything is inaccurate or about a different person, please issuesend a correction and we will update the file.

The building sitsis in the Mount Hope Historic District as a noncontributing 1958 government structure from 1958.structure. A large congregate or group-living use would require significantmajor changes and strict code compliance. Residents deserve to see the plan and the governing laws.

Before any action or funding

1) Publish the exact use and the change of occupancy

• A change of use triggers the West Virginia State Building and Fire Codes. Publish the intended occupancy, the code path, and written determinations from the enforcing official and the State Fire Marshal.

2) Complete historic review if federal involvement exists

• If ARC or any federal funds, permits, or approvals touchapply, this project,complete Section 106 requires an effects review and consultation with the West VirginiaWV SHPO and the public before decisions. Publish the filing, the effect finding, and any mitigation.

3) Hold an open public hearing in Mount Hope

• TheFile Westmeeting Virginianotice Openso Meetingsit Actappears requireson decisionsthe inSecretary publicof withState notice.website Postat materialsleast 10five business days in advanceadvance. Post the full packet early and provide written responses tofor residentthe questions.record. Treat grant files and budgets as public under theWV West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.FOIA.

4) Release finances and operations

• Publish a two-year operating budget, audited financials ifor available,review, cash on hand, commitment letters, insurance and bonding, a 24-hour clinically supervised staffing plan,staffing, and security and emergency protocols.plans. If ARC planning funds were received, publish the deliverables.

5) Disclose entities and conflicts

• Provide good-standing certificates for all entities,certificates, a conflict-of-interest policy, and any past or proposed contracts between the nonprofit and any related for-profit entities to support complianceWV withEthics Act compliance. Obtain signed conflict statements for related parties and any nonprofit to related for-profit contract. Place summaries and the WestCounty Virginiaverification Ethicsletter Act.in the public file before any vote.

6) Address audit, clawback, and future-funding risk

• Under 2 C.F.R. 200.206, 200.339, 200.345, and 200.206,200.345 agencies and pass-through entities may impose conditions, suspend or terminate awards, disallow costs, recover funds after closeout, and weigh past performanceperformance. when deciding future awards. West VirginiaWV rules allow stop-payment, recovery, and debarment. Mismanagement now can jeopardize current awards and future eligibility. Explain how the County will avoid these risks before lending support.

7) Public-service background check and disclosures

• Before any endorsement, require the operator’s principals and on-site leaders to complete a public-service background check suitable for neighborhood group living. Verify identity and complete a fingerprint-based state and FBI check through the WV State Police or WV CARES. Check federal and state exclusion and sanctions lists, including SAM and the HHS OIG LEIE. Require disclosure of civil judgments tied to fiduciary duty or housing management, any sanctions or debarments, and any active tax liens or recent bankruptcies that could affect operations. If a consumer-reporting agency is used, obtain written consent and follow required adverse-action notices. Post summaries and the County verification letter before any vote and invite written corrections for any mismatch.

8) Provide a site plan and a neighborhood-impact package

• Even if zoning lists Emergency Shelter or group-residential use by right, require a full plan for parking, lighting, fencing, cameras, trash handling,trash, good-neighbor rules, complaint response, and coordination with police, fire, and EMS.

Leadership and background items for County verification

We ask the County to verify these record-based items before any endorsement.

Prior business effort

• Reports describe a grocery venture in Kermit called Hillbilly Harvest. Verify opening and closing date (if relavant),relevant), licensing and inspection history, and current status.

Dual entities and compliance status

• Business-entityBusiness records list Housed-Up Inc. and Appalachia Impact Gaming LLC at the same address. Obtain current good-standing letters and disclose any nonprofit-to-for-profitnonprofit to related for-profit payments before County action.

Financial capacity

• A public crowdfunding page associated with this effort showed only a few hundred dollars toward a goal of fifty thousand dollars as of October 6, 2025. Require proof of committed funding and audited controls so taxpayers are not left to carry ongoing costs.

Governance and continuity

• Provide a governance and staffing plan with the board roster, clinical supervision, 24-7 coverage, and a continuity and succession plan so operations do not depend on a singleone individual.

Requested actionAdopt a resolution to pause and withdraw County support. Rescind any letters or endorsements. Order an independent review of code compliance, historic review, financial capacity, conflicts, and neighborhood impacts. Publish the full file. Hold a hearing in Mount Hope with public comment.

09. 10. 2025, 1:37

Removed the section about Impact Gaming LLC not being in good standing with the state as it now shows active.


New petition description:

To the Fayette County Commission

We are neighbors from Mount Hope and across the County. We believe in helping people who are rebuilding their lives and in lawful stewardship of public money. We ask the Commission to pause and withdraw County support for the HOPER proposal at 100 Bluestone Road until independent reviews are complete and public.

Good-faith notice. This petition cites public sources. If anything is inaccurate or about a different person, please issue a correction and we will update the file.

The building sits in the Mount Hope Historic District as a noncontributing government structure from 1958. A large congregate or group-living use would require significant changes and strict code compliance. Residents deserve to see the plan and the governing laws.

Before any action or funding

1) Publish the exact use and the change of occupancy

• A change of use triggers the West Virginia State Building and Fire Codes. Publish the intended occupancy, the code path, and written determinations from the enforcing official and the State Fire Marshal.

2) Complete historic review if federal involvement exists

• If ARC or any federal funds, permits, or approvals touch this project, Section 106 requires an effects review and consultation with the West Virginia SHPO and the public before decisions. Publish the filing, the effect finding, and any mitigation.

3) Hold an open public hearing in Mount Hope

• The West Virginia Open Meetings Act requires decisions in public with notice. Post materials 10 days in advance and provide written responses to resident questions. Treat grant files and budgets as public under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

4) Release finances and operations

• Publish a two-year operating budget, audited financials if available, cash on hand, commitment letters, insurance and bonding, a 24-hour clinically supervised staffing plan, and security and emergency protocols. If ARC planning funds were received, publish the deliverables.

5) Disclose entities and conflicts

• Provide good-standing certificates for all entities, a conflict-of-interest policy, and any past or proposed contracts between the nonprofit and related for-profit entities to support compliance with the West Virginia Ethics Act.

6) Address audit, clawback, and future-funding risk

• Under 2 C.F.R. 200.339, 200.345, and 200.206, agencies and pass-through entities may impose conditions, suspend or terminate awards, disallow costs, recover funds after closeout, and weigh past performance when deciding future awards. West Virginia rules allow stop-payment, recovery, and debarment. Mismanagement now can jeopardize current awards and future eligibility. Explain how the County will avoid these risks before lending support.

7) Provide a site plan and a neighborhood-impact package

• Even if zoning lists Emergency Shelter or group-residential use by right, require a full plan for parking, lighting, fencing, cameras, trash handling, good-neighbor rules, complaint response, and coordination with police, fire, and EMS.

Leadership and background items for County verification

We ask the County to verify these record-based items before any endorsement.

Prior business effort

• Reports describe a grocery venture in Kermit called Hillbilly Harvest. Verify opening and closing date (if relavant), licensing and inspection history, and current status.

Dual entities and compliance status

• Business-entity records list Housed-Up Inc. and Appalachia Impact Gaming LLC at the same address. The LLC showed Not in Compliance in the state database on October 6, 2025. Obtain current good-standing letters and disclose any nonprofit-to-for-profit payments before County action.

Financial capacity

• A public crowdfunding page associated with this effort showed only a few hundred dollars toward a goal of fifty thousand dollars as of October 6, 2025. Require proof of committed funding and audited controls so taxpayers are not left to carry ongoing costs.

Governance and continuity

• Provide a governance and staffing plan with the board roster, clinical supervision, 24-7 coverage, and a continuity and succession plan so operations do not depend on a single individual.

Requested actionAdopt a resolution to pause and withdraw County support. Rescind any letters or endorsements. Order an independent review of code compliance, historic review, financial capacity, conflicts, and neighborhood impacts. Publish the full file. Hold a hearing in Mount Hope with public comment.

08. 10. 2025, 21:31

Corrected misspelling of last name (typo) from "Birk" to the correct spelling "Birt."


New petition description:

To the Fayette County Commission

We are neighbors from Mount Hope and across the County. We believe in helping people who are rebuilding their lives and in lawful stewardship of public money. We ask the Commission to pause and withdraw County support for the HOPER proposal at 100 Bluestone Road until independent reviews are complete and public.

Good-faith notice. This petition cites public sources. If anything is inaccurate or about a different person, please issue a correction and we will update the file.

The building sits in the Mount Hope Historic District as a noncontributing government structure from 1958. A large congregate or group-living use would require significant changes and strict code compliance. Residents deserve to see the plan and the governing laws.

Before any action or funding

1) Publish the exact use and the change of occupancy

• A change of use triggers the West Virginia State Building and Fire Codes. Publish the intended occupancy, the code path, and written determinations from the enforcing official and the State Fire Marshal.

2) Complete historic review if federal involvement exists

• If ARC or any federal funds, permits, or approvals touch this project, Section 106 requires an effects review and consultation with the West Virginia SHPO and the public before decisions. Publish the filing, the effect finding, and any mitigation.

3) Hold an open public hearing in Mount Hope

• The West Virginia Open Meetings Act requires decisions in public with notice. Post materials 10 days in advance and provide written responses to resident questions. Treat grant files and budgets as public under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

4) Release finances and operations

• Publish a two-year operating budget, audited financials if available, cash on hand, commitment letters, insurance and bonding, a 24-hour clinically supervised staffing plan, and security and emergency protocols. If ARC planning funds were received, publish the deliverables.

5) Disclose entities and conflicts

• Provide good-standing certificates for all entities, a conflict-of-interest policy, and any past or proposed contracts between the nonprofit and related for-profit entities to support compliance with the West Virginia Ethics Act.

6) Address audit, clawback, and future-funding risk

• Under 2 C.F.R. 200.339, 200.345, and 200.206, agencies and pass-through entities may impose conditions, suspend or terminate awards, disallow costs, recover funds after closeout, and weigh past performance when deciding future awards. West Virginia rules allow stop-payment, recovery, and debarment. Mismanagement now can jeopardize current awards and future eligibility. Explain how the County will avoid these risks before lending support.

7) Provide a site plan and a neighborhood-impact package

• Even if zoning lists Emergency Shelter or group-residential use by right, require a full plan for parking, lighting, fencing, cameras, trash handling, good-neighbor rules, complaint response, and coordination with police, fire, and EMS.

Leadership and background items for County verification

We ask the County to verify these record-based items before any endorsement.

Identity and criminal recordVirginia court records for “James Dempsey Birt” from 2009 in Amelia County list felony convictions. The proponent here is James Birk. Confirm whether these records refer to a different individual and state what was disclosed to funders.Property stewardshipMunicipal code files associated with the proponent’s prior residence show citations for neglect and unsanitary conditions and a 2015 eviction judgment. Verify linkage and dates and evaluate capacity to manage high-needs housing.Prior business effort

• Reports describe a grocery venture in Kermit called Hillbilly Harvest. Verify opening and closing dates,date (if relavant), licensing and inspection history, and current status.

Dual entities and compliance status

• Business-entity records list Housed-Up Inc. and Appalachia Impact Gaming LLC at the same address. The LLC showed Not in Compliance in the state database on October 6, 2025. Obtain current good-standing letters and disclose any nonprofit-to-for-profit payments before County action.

Financial capacity

• A public crowdfunding page associated with this effort showed only a few hundred dollars toward a goal of fifty thousand dollars as of October 6, 2025. Require proof of committed funding and audited controls so taxpayers are not left to carry ongoing costs.

Governance and continuity

• Provide a governance and staffing plan with the board roster, clinical supervision, 24-7 coverage, and a continuity and succession plan so operations do not depend on a single individual.

Requested actionAdopt a resolution to pause and withdraw County support. Rescind any letters or endorsements. Order an independent review of code compliance, historic review, financial capacity, conflicts, and neighborhood impacts. Publish the full file. Hold a hearing in Mount Hope with public comment.