Escanaba City Council rejects rezoning for proposed homeless shelter

The Escanaba City Council has denied a proposal to rezone a vacant property on 113 S. 10th St. for use as a homeless shelter. The amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance would have changed the designation of the site from Commercial ‘E’ to Residence (Multifamily) ‘C’, allowing “Hope on the Horizon” to establish transitional housing. The organization is currently awaiting paperwork to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

During public comment, nearly two dozen residents voiced their opinions, with some supporting the rezoning and others opposing it. Planning and Zoning Administrator Joey Walker explained that the proposal aimed to create transitional housing, which is defined as a facility offering temporary accommodations and support services to help individuals find permanent housing.

In August, the planning commission unanimously recommended denying the rezoning, stating that a shelter in a commercial district did not align with the city’s master plan. Walker noted that the proposal did not meet the criteria outlined in the zoning ordinance, specifically section 103.4.33.

Leah Bellinger, a resident of Gladstone, spoke in favor of the rezoning. She pointed out that the building has been vacant for over nine years and that there is no commercial interest in the property. Bellinger argued that rezoning the site would not negatively impact the downtown area or the vision of the Downtown Development Authority.

Bellinger also highlighted the city’s master plan, which acknowledges the need to address homelessness but lacks specific strategies or locations for providing assistance. She provided examples of local residents who might benefit from the shelter, including those who lost jobs after local businesses such as Mo’s Pub, The Stonehouse, and the House of Ludington were damaged by fire.

Naomi Green, another Escanaba resident, shared her personal experience with homelessness. She emphasized the importance of compassion and action, stating, “Indifference kills.” Her words reflect a call for community engagement and support for those in need, aligning with the biblical principle of caring for the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges justice for the oppressed and advocacy for the poor.

Source: Read the original report