Safe Harbor seeks year‑round shelter permission; staff hold public hearing on March 18

Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse Inc. has applied for a special land use permit to operate a year‑round emergency shelter at its existing facility at 517 Wellington Street; the planning department and Safe Harbor staff said the facility’s licensed bed capacity would not change under the proposal.

Planning Director Brian Winter presented the conceptual submission during new business and said Safe Harbor’s current approval allows seasonal operation (approximately Oct. 15 to May 15) and that the organization now seeks a year‑round authorization. Staff emphasized the application does not propose increasing the shelter’s overall capacity (90 beds); it does propose an additional on‑site parking area on the shelter’s parcel to accommodate guest and volunteer parking year round.

Safe Harbor facility manager Brad Gerlach described the request as part of a continuing effort to address regional shelter needs. “We are honored to…