HomeMy WebLinkAboutHO201400091 Legacy Document 2014-05-20 (2)Kate O'Connell, LPC
348 Key West Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22911
cmfoconnelIPgmail.com
540-447-6051
To My Neighbors in Key West,
May 2, 2014
Albemarle County's Zoning Commission has recently brought to my attention that an 'anonymous'
complaint was made against me in reference to my private psychotherapy practice. While responding to
this complaint, I learned that I was required to file a Major Home Occupation application and pay the
required $25 fee. Part of this process has included notifying my immediate neighbors of this application
process. At the time that I filed the application, I was not concerned for the following reasons.
After moving into348 Key West Drive last year, I extended to all of you an invitation to my house-
warming party in an effort to meet my neighbors and share with you information about whom I was and
what I did for a living. I remember being extremely forth -coming about the fact that I was a therapist
and even shared information about the theoretical framework which I created and the book I was
writing to describe this framework. In all of my interactions I've had with you, I experienced a genuine
interest regarding my professional pursuits within what I believed was a spirit of acceptance while
welcoming me into the neighborhood. I never made any attempts to hide what I did and never had any
indication from any of you that you had an issue with what I was doing as evidenced by the fact that I
have now been practicing for the past eight months out of my home without any objections from
anyone.
As part of the process of applying for the Major Home Occupation, I have been made aware by the
county of a very recent growing concern from my immediate neighbors regarding personal safety and
property values being compromised as a result of my therapeutic practice. This letter is an attempt to
put your fears and concerns to rest.
The general demographics of my clientele are as follows. I work with educators, mental health
professionals, healers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, CEO's, retirees, doctors, and their family members. They
are grandparents, wives, fathers, husbands, sisters, brothers, mothers, children, and grandchildren. They
live in neighborhoods just like ours. In fact, it's even possible that I might have some Key West residents
as part of my clientele. My clients are not dangerous. If you are not afraid of your neighbors then you
have no need to fear my clients. They are seeking support and assistance from me in exploring aspects
of the self and areas in their life in an effort to experience greater comfort, joy and satisfaction in their
careers, their marriages, and relationships; both personal and professional. As a single 52 -year old
professional woman living alone and working out of her home, I can assure you that I am extremely
discerning about whom I work with and who I allow in my home. To be otherwise would make no sense.
The work that I am doing in my practice since moving into Key West has been limited to individual and
family therapy. During the course of the week, I see 3-4 clients a day totaling 12-15 clients a week. My
hours of operation are from 12 noon until 7pm. I do not facilitate groups out of my home. What you see
on my website advertising groups is for community agencies that provide the space for me to facilitate
the workshops. If you see multiple vehicles parked on my property it is within a social context, not a
professional one.
I'm hopeful that this description can help in easing your fears and concerns. If there are still lingering
questions or concerns, I encourage you to contact me by phone or in person so we can discuss them. My
goal is to live peaceably amongst my neighbors in a spirit of caring and cooperation. It's how I've always
lived and I'm hopeful there will be an opportunity for me to continue to do so in Key West.
Respectfully,
Kate O'Connell
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