During the October Cuero Council meeting, a heated discussion occurred regarding a permit for Norma’s House, a children's advocacy center, located at 1105 N. Hunt. Executive Director Deane Novosad requested approval for the facility to operate in a residential zone,
(Photo by Ele Chew) but some nearby residents objected. A petition “To Stop the Commercialization of Our Neighborhood” is circulating.
Serving children and families in DeWitt County for nearly 25 years, Norma’s House coordinates investigations and provides treatment for child abuse cases while ensuring a welcoming environment for children. “We are not a daycare or shelter,”Novosad said, noting that the facility operates only as needed and does not permit criminals onsite.
Norma’s House was supported at the meeting by local law enforcement and Child Protective Services (Lieutenant Bethany Hobbs Cuero PD, Lieutenant Jerome Hernandez Cuero PD, Chief of Police Steven Ellis Cuero PD, and Child Protective Investigation Supervisor Janelle Zamarripa).
Novosad apologized for not submitting the non-residential zone application initially, stating it wasn't a requirement at other locations. A permit was necessary due to the residential nature of the area. “Currently, it is a residential area and (they) should have applied for a permit to exempt them from that particular location,” Mayor Emil Garza said.
In public comment, Bill Hickey, who also lives on Hunt, noted that the property sale paperwork for 1105 N. Hunt St. was signed on July 31, 2024, and a variance use permit was issued on September 19, 2024. “Our neighborhood is a residential neighborhood and not a commercial zone,” Hickey said.
Concerned about the effect on property values, Hickey asked whether the property was rented or purchased, and Novosad responded that it was rented.
“What I have a problem with is the commercialization of our neighborhood. The neighborhood didn’t even know of the existence until after a sign, and there’s a large sign out in front of the facility,” VanDeVeer said.
”If the sign is what’s bothering everybody, I’m sure that something could be worked out with that.”Elaine Post said, Norma’s House property owner of 1105 N. Hunt St. “My husband had absolutely nothing to do with the lease,” Elaine Post added.
“That is not a commercial enterprise. It is a charitable organization is what it is”John Post, the other Norma’s House property owner, said.
Walter McClung, another neighbor, talked about the parking issue on Hunt St. as unsafe for a residential area.
City Secretary Jennifer Urban stated that the zoning board recommended removing the sign and addressing the parking situation by using city parking.
The item was tabled until the next meeting.
