Escanaba City Council upholds zoning ordinance for potential homeless shelter location

The Escanaba City Council has upheld the Zoning Commission’s decision to keep the property at 113 S. 10th Street zoned for business. This decision maintains the current zoning classification, which does not permit a homeless shelter as a use on that parcel. The nonprofit Hope on the Horizon 906 had sought to establish a transitional shelter at the site, which was previously occupied by Bertrand’s/Bittner Engineering and has been vacant for nine years.

Hope on the Horizon 906 President Laurie Kaski-Hammar expressed optimism, noting that the city council allowed the organization to pursue a shelter in areas zoned for multi-family residential use, specifically along 1st Avenue South. “We will take advantage of where we are allowed by right,” she said, indicating the group will seek a suitable location within the permitted zoning.

Kaski-Hammar emphasized the urgent need for transitional housing in Escanaba, where resources for people experiencing homelessness are limited. She highlighted community and professional support for the proposal, underscoring the shared concern for vulnerable neighbors. City officials confirmed that shelters are already permitted in C-zoned areas, offering a viable path for the nonprofit to proceed without additional zoning changes.

Opponents of the proposal, such as Robin Custance, focused their concerns on zoning regulations and the suitability of the proposed location. They called for more detailed planning before moving forward with such initiatives. Custance expressed satisfaction with the council’s decision, acknowledging the need for careful consideration in community development.

City council members acknowledged the community’s input on both sides of the issue and affirmed their support for establishing a shelter in an appropriately zoned area. This decision reflects a balance between regulatory compliance and the pressing need to address housing insecurity in the community.

The situation highlights the complex interplay between local governance, community needs, and the provision of essential services. As the city continues to navigate these challenges, the call to care for the vulnerable remains a central theme, echoing the biblical mandate to protect the rights of the poor and oppressed. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, urging a compassionate and just approach to public policy.

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