Homeless shelter moves through next steps

STEVENS POINT—The Stevens Point Plan Commission has approved decisions to move a homeless shelter forward located at 2854 Church St.
The Common Council approved two major decisions affecting the homeless shelter and homeless community during their Feb. meeting. First, the city agreed to give $150,000 to Partnering Together Portage County to run the shelter. Secondly, the city passed a no camping ordinance which will take effect the day the shelter opens, which could lead to citations for those seen sleeping or setting up temporary shelters on public property.
During the April 6 meeting, commissioners approved re-zoning the property from single family residence to commercial district. Additionally, a conditional use permit was approved for a temporary housing facility at 2854 Church Street following several amendments.
The shelter will have a maximum occupancy of 35 individuals, with about 20 beds being planned for inside. Other improvements include new fencing and landscaping, a dozen parking spaces behind the shelter, and new bathrooms and laundry.
Commission members discussed a handful of amendments to make to the conditional use permits. Approved amendments to the conditional use permit included changing the language to specify that two individuals, one being professionally trained, must be present at the shelter at all times, the shelter is to generate annual reports providing data on individuals homed, helped, etc., the shelter will provide their guest rules to the city, and lastly, the conditional use permit will expire 12 months from adoption to allow the Plan Commission and Common Council to review and possibly renew.
Both decisions were unanimously approved.