OXFORD, AL — Alton Craft has released a public statement regarding the Oxford City Council’s recent decision to enact a six-month moratorium on new thrift stores within the city limits, stating the pause is focused on public safety and oversight.
The council approved the temporary moratorium during its February 10 meeting.
At that meeting, Oxford Police Deputy Chief Daniel Phipps addressed the council, explaining that several thrift stores operating in the area are affiliated with faith-based rehabilitation programs. He noted that some of these programs operate without state regulation and may house residents outside the city limits — where zoning laws do not apply — before utilizing those residents as workers at thrift stores located within the city.
Two days later, on February 12, the Calhoun County Commission passed a resolution establishing local oversight for rehabilitation homes and initiating the process of developing regulatory and licensing policies for such facilities.
Craft commended the commission’s action.
“I applaud the recent action of the Calhoun County Commission which begins the process of establishing local oversight for halfway houses, sober living facilities, and recovery residences,” Craft said. “The Commission’s resolution defines the reasons behind the Oxford City Council’s recent action to place a six-month moratorium on new thrift stores, many of which are operated by these types of facilities.”
According to Craft, the city’s action is intended to ensure safeguards are in place for both customers and program participants.
“Just as any business would thoroughly vet potential employees, especially those who would deal with the public, the council wants to ensure there are the same guardrails in place that aids in ensuring the public does not enter these businesses with the potential of encountering people that might cause a risk to their safety, and to ensure the safety and humane treatment of those in these programs,” Craft said.
Craft said he has contacted the institutions operating these programs and has been assured they are following commonly accepted guidelines for recovery facilities. He added that those institutions have agreed to meet with him to discuss the services and benefits they provide.
“Once I meet with them, we may set up a meeting with the members of the city council so we can better understand what is being done for the safety of all our citizens, including the people enrolled in these programs. I’m not for the profiteering from people’s misery,” Craft said.
Craft emphasized that the moratorium is not intended to diminish the charitable work performed by many facilities or discourage thrift stores that provide affordable shopping options to residents.
“The council’s action in no way is meant to demean the good works provided by many of these facilities, nor is it meant to dissuade businesses who provide a low-cost, and sometimes necessary alternative, for local shoppers,” he said.
City officials have indicated the six-month pause will allow time to review policies, evaluate oversight measures, and coordinate with county leaders before considering future approvals of new thrift store operations tied to rehabilitation or recovery programs.
