The Butler Zoning Hearing Board did the right thing this week when it approved a special exemption allowing Robin’s Home to provide transitional housing for women military veterans and their children.

We understand that some nearby residents have concerns, and it is imperative that the home’s operators address those concerns. But Robin’s Home — which was purchased by philanthropist Dennis Baglier, who also pays its taxes — will likely offer an invaluable service to the community: providing a leg up for women who need assistance getting on their feet.

Women veterans are often forgotten heroines. Two years ago, a survey by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America found that only 27 percent of women in the military believe the public treats women veterans with respect. According to this year’s survey, 78 percent of respondents believed that addressing issues facing women veterans was “extremely” or “very” important.

At this week’s zoning hearing, veterans showed up to voice their support for Robin’s Home. Roy Ramone, a veteran and coordinator of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services’ CompeerCORPS program, said that homelessness is a problem for veterans, especially women, and that Robin’s Home could be “a starting point for the entire nation.” Mary Kitchen, a Presbyterian minister, said that supporting the home was the “right thing to do.”

We agree with them both.

At the zoning hearing, some residents voiced their objections. They cited a lack of play space for children at the home, possible drug use at the site and parking and security issues. They have a right to be heard and Robin’s Home should do its best to accommodate them.

However, the Butler zoning board has already taken some steps to ensure that Robin’s Home is a good neighbor. One condition for the exemption limits the total number of veterans and children allowed to stay at the home to eight. The property is required to install smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors, and the city appears to be limiting the number of parking spaces at the site, so that the sidewalk is not blocked.

Mary Chitwood, a Butler veteran who founded the home, noted that the property had been vacant and in disrepair for two decades, and often attracted squatters. Now it will be put to better use by helping women in need. Chitwood said that security cameras will be installed, visitors must be approved and women staying at the home will be tested for drugs. Chitwood might be correct in pointing out that residents’ property values could go up now that the home has been renovated. Also, a group home already exists across the street from Robin’s Home — and it hasn’t drawn complaints.

Anytime a facility like this one opens in a residential area, there rightfully will be concerns. The community has a right to demand that the home is a good neighbor. But we believe that Robin’s Home will be of great assistance to Butler’s women veterans.

“We’ve got to take care of our female veterans,” said Sam Zurzolo, a Butler Township commissioner and veteran, at the hearing. He’s absolutely right.