Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning Department

TO:	Mike Wildgen
FROM:	Lisa Pool, City/County Planner
CC:	Sheila Stogsdill David Corliss Debbie Van Saun
Date:	March 7, 2006
RE:	UPR-09-06-05: Lawrence Community Shelter Condition Revisions

At the December 13, 2005 City Commission meeting, the Commission directed the Community Commission on Homelessness to review and recommend revisions, as necessary, the conditions of approval for the Lawrence Community Shelter UPR application (UPR-09-06-05). The original conditions originally before the City Commission are as follows:

1. Revision of the site plan to include the following changes:

a. Notation indicating the use is permitted for one year and approval will expire December, 2006. Applicant will need to submit a new request to continue the UPR prior to that date.

b. Notation indicating that an annual report of shelter activity will be provided to the Planning Office each year.

2. Submittal of a Site Plan Performance Agreement.

3. Documentation from the Fire/Medical and Neighborhood Resources Departments, showing approval of an increase in capacity from an occupancy of 30 (28 guests + 2 staff) to 33 (31 guests + 2 staff).

4. During a 1-year time period, the shelter should do the following:

a. Develop a loitering concept and document enforcement measures when required.

b. Keep a log of police calls and level and type of concern.

c. Evaluate proper staffing levels for adequately meeting client and neighborhood safety needs.

d. Keep a log of guests who obtain jobs and permanent housing.

e. Develop a method for resolution for problems created for neighboring properties.

f. Develop a monetary list of measures that would keep the shelter safe and well-staffed and suggestions for government assistance and community fundraising.

The following revised conditions of approval were drafted by the Community Commission on Homelessness during several special sessions of the Commission:

1. Revision of the site plan to include the following changes:

a. Notation indicating the use is permitted for five years and approval will expire March 7, 2011. Applicant will need to submit a new request to continue the UPR prior to that date.

b. Notation indicating that an annual report of shelter activity shall be submitted to the CCH for review and the Planning Department to be kept on file each year.

c. Strike from the site plan notation indicating that the Lawrence Community Shelter “will enforce a no loitering policy within 150 feet of the proposed property.”

2. Submittal of a Site Plan Performance Agreement.

3. The LCS will not increase occupancy from 30-33 until an occupancy permit is provided to Planning by Neighborhood Resources Department.

4.   During a 1-year time period, the shelter should do the following:

a. Provide an annual report of shelter activity that will include the following:

1. Accomplishments in serving the LCS guests.

2. Program descriptions and staffing levels.

3. Program and staffing projection and costs.

b. Develop a mechanism for communication with neighbors and the neighborhood association.

1. Work with the Community Cooperation Committee (CCC) appointed by the CCH.

2. Develop a Good Neighbor Agreement describing responsibilities of both the LCS and neighbors.

As the revised set of conditions clarifies, but is in keeping with the previous set of conditions, planning staff supports the conditions drafted by the Community Commission on Homelessness.