In a split vote, Sedgwick County commissioners have denied a permit to allow a group home for foster children near Haysville.

Andrea Henschel has been caring for four foster children at her home near 82nd Street South and Hydraulic, but she wanted the permit to expand to six children.   The proposal had opposition from 91 percent of nearby residents who felt this would be a business out of character with the surrounding rural residential area.   They also felt there would be a negative impact on property values and there were concerns related to recent groundwater problems in the area.   Supporters of the permit said that foster children need a home and there is no evidence to show that a group home affects property values.

Commissioner Michael O’Donnell cited the protest petition as well as a unanimous vote of denial from the Haysville planning commission as reasons for his motion to deny the permit.   O’Donnell, Pete Meitzner and chairman David Dennis voted for the motion, while commissioners Lacey Cruse and Jim Howell voted against it.

Commissioners originally heard the proposal in July, but voted to send it back to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for more discussion.  The proposal was then returned to the county commission for a vote Wednesday.