TC Retreat, a sober living residence on Comanche Street near Northwestern Michigan College, can continue operating following a ruling this week by the Traverse City Zoning Board of Appeals. In a 7-1 vote with one abstention, the board overruled the original zoning decision to not allow the home in the neighborhood zoned for single-family residences. 

“By approving our appeal, our community is joining a growing nationwide movement – the use of sober living homes in assisting those in early recovery in how to live a sober productive life and be a good neighbor," says Tom Gilbert in a news release announcing the decision. Gilbert is TC Retreat president and a Traverse City-based substance abuse intervention and professional services consultant.

The zoning board based its decision on the fact that TC Retreat operates only as a sober living residence on Comanche Street with no programs or treatment services. In his appeal, Gilbert stated that up to six residents in recovery from addiction are allowed to live there. They agree to live by a set of guidelines, including attending a weekly house dinner and following the principles of a 12-step recovery process.