RAPID CITY, S.D. – Cornerstone Rescue Mission’s Respite Care Center faces a new challenge as 26 local residents have filed a lawsuit against them and the City of Rapid City. The initial hearing for the lawsuit took place at the Pennington County Courthouse in Rapid City.
Cornerstone purchased the plot of land located at the former Big Sky Lodge located on Tower Road back in September. The non-profit organization then filed for a conditional use permit to start a respite care facility, which will provide a living space to those recovering from hospital visits who don’t have anywhere else to go.
Amid objections from neighboring land and home owners, the Rapid City Planning Commission denied the permit in October. The decision was later appealed and brought to the Rapid City Common Council, who then approved the permit.
The Mission reportedly entered into an agreement with Monument Health with plans to accommodate up to 29 patients at the facility, carefully vetting individuals to maintain patient and community safety.
The respite care center is located at the former Big Sky Lodge where fire suppressant equipment is currently being installed.
On December 2, 2024, the City of Rapid City and Cornerstone Rescue Mission were served a court summons for the subsequent lawsuit that ensued. Local homeowners have been saying that the facility will negatively affect their property values and that local government did not follow the correct procedures.
