WOODSTOCK — A proposed 20-bed, two-story sobriety house at 47 Old County Road gained approval from the Woodstock Planning Board on May 6. Applicants Marc and Mary Ellen Montplaisir of Bryant Pond will still need to submit an expanded septic plan and improve property access. A final site inspection is scheduled for late summer.

The Planning Board held a site plan review in January. Initial concerns centered around sprinkler and alarm systems. Fire Chief Kyle Hopps said the applicants have demonstrated that sprinklers are not required for sobriety homes in Maine.

Because the planned occupancy exceeds 16 beds, the project falls under the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code. Marc Montplaisir said they intend to open with 16 beds and expand to 20.

The 4,800-square-foot structure, formerly a private residence, sits on 49 acres and is about a mile from Woodstock Village. The Montplaisirs plan to name it Chris’ Haven of Hope, in memory of Marc’s brother, Chris Montplaisir, who struggled with addiction and died of a heart attack in August 2024 at age 40. “We want to celebrate his beautiful life and the positive impact he had,” Marc said.

Hancock Lumber gave them a $10,000 dollar lumber donation. “We are hoping the community will pitch in and help, too, because we are trying to do this for our community,” said Mary Ellen.