"This house is more structured than any house I experienced. I think it's great to have a house like this in Plattsburgh to help women recover and prosper," Staub said.

No one spoke in opposition, although several did at the July meeting. Concerns were raised about the effect on a neighborhood of single-family residences, the failure rate of those in recovery, constant changes in who will live at the house and the effect on neighborhood children.

One of those area residents submitted a letter in opposition. Michael Smith of Plattsburgh urged the Zoning Board to uphold zoning regulations and emphasized that the area is the largest stretch of owner-occupied housing on Brinkerhoff Street.

He said every family that leaves leads to an increase in density and changes the balance of the neighborhood.

The eight-bedroom, six-and-a-half bathroom house at 86 Brinkerhoff St. will be home to 12 women who have completed alcohol-abuse treatment to provide each other support as they attempt to reenter society and one "house mother." At one time the structure housed foreign students who attended Mount Assumption Institute and later Seton Catholic Central School.

At the July Zoning Board meeting, Rietsema said it's a good location because there are three Alcoholics Anonymous meeting places within walking distance. Women in the program are not allowed to have automobiles.

It is also in a location where the women would be able to get to jobs.

The proposed program calls for the women to run the house together under the guidance of senior members while they live and eat together. All must work and contribute to the cost of running the house.

No television is allowed and occupants can only listen to music through headphones after they complete 30 days in the program. Those who break the rules will be evicted immediately, Rietsema said in July.

The home is owned by Evelyn Dubrey. She previously said uses for the property and prospects for its sale are limited because of its size.

In a letter of support for the sober house, Whitbeck Associates said Rietsma was the only party that has made an offer to buy the house since it went on the market in April.

Rietsema was obviously pleased with the Zoning Board's decision.

"I am ecstatic that Plattsburgh will be given an opportunity to become a home for women who are committed to early recovery from alcoholism and addiction," Rietsma said after receiving congratulations outside the room that was packed with supporters.

dheath@pressrepublican.com