HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-16-19 Public Comment - M. Sanctuary - HRDC Warming Center Site1
Sarah Rosenberg
From:Michael Sanctuary <mdsanctuary@hotmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, October 16, 2019 9:54 PM
To:Sarah Rosenberg
Subject:HRDC special use permit
Greetings Sara,
My name is Michael Sanctuary and I am writing in regards to a special use permit requested by HRDC to allow
for a warming facility at the corner of Graf and Westridge. I own my home and live at 503 Staudaher Street,
which is about 3 blocks from the proposed warming facility.
I rarely write emails or letters to my local, state, or federal representatives; however, I am compelled to
express my sincere concern over this proposed facility. I raise two young daughters aged 4 and 6, and
purchased this property in part due to the proximity to the two excellent schools in the area (Morningstar
Elementary and Sacagawea Middle School). Hearing the news that a warming facility, which if approved,
would be located immediately between these two schools is alarming to say the least.
I understand this facility could shelter up to 36 individuals, none of which will require going through a
background check. I also understand this facility is intended to serve as overflow to an existing warming
facility which requires often visits by the local police department.
The HRDC's proposed location lies in front the main crosswalk for hundreds of young kids and parents
shuttling to and from elementary and middle school every school day, and in my opinion is not an appropriate
location for such a facility. I respect the HRDC's attempt to address a serious issue and keep people safe who
are without a proper home. As a member of St. James Episcopal Church, I support assisting others in
need. My office for the past 14 years is at 1115 North 7th Avenue and overlooks the Sacajawea City Park. This
park, which lies near another warming facility, is frequented by many homeless individuals. We have allowed
several of these folks into our office on particularly cold days to briefly warm up. I have witnessed many of
these individuals behave in a polite manner, and many who behave in a manner I do not wish my children to
witness or to occur in my neighborhood. Again, I applaud the HRDC in searching for an answer to our city's
homeless issues; however, a neighborhood where many, many young children reside is no place to
intentionally place vagrants. Doing so places our children at greater risk with no reward for this
neighborhood's residents.
I appreciate your willingness to read this letter and hope you chose to deny the HRDC's special use permit
allowing for a warming facility at the corner of Graf and Westridge Streets.
Thank you,
Michael Sanctuary