Cactus Village Community

LEGISLATION Would Target Unregulated Group Homes

Jul 21, 2003

By Elvia Diaz The Arizona Republic

Residents struggling to keep large numbers of recovering drug addicts and sex offenders from moving into their neighborhoods may finally get the law on their side, thanks to the collaboration of Phoenix Councilman Claude Mattox and state Rep. John Nelson


The problem? There is no limitation on the number of homes or apartment complexes renting rooms to sex offenders in a particular area. At one time, 7 unlicensed and unregulated (so-called) group homes opened in Mattox?’s district in west Phoenix within a few blocks of each other and things aren?’t getting better, residents say.

After a year spent studying the issue. Mattox and Nelson say they will pursue state legislation in January targeting the unregulated homes.

Tougher laws are necessary to spread the burden, said Jeff Spellman. a west Phoenix resident who lives a few blocks away from an apartment complex that is home to many sex offenders who have recently been released from jail or put on probation.

?“We understand these people must live somewhere.?” Spellman said. We just don?’t want too many of them close to our homes.?”

Spellman and other west-side residents have long been asking Mattox to find ways to curb the proliferation of homes and apartments housing sex offenders and recovering drug addicts.

Mattox had hoped (about a year ago) to piggyback on other legislation but none was appropriate. At his request, a legislative committee was formed and has been studying the matter. A report is due in two weeks.

Nelson, a Glendale Republican and former Phoenix Councilman, said it won?’t be easy to generate massive support to come down heavy on the privately run homes but he is optimistic about pushing through some sort of legislation in January to scatter sex offenders around.

?“It?’s a very complex issue,?” Nelson said. "But as long as we?’re reasonable, we have a pretty good chance of approving a law. . . ☻