Grand Junction council approves phased wind-down for downtown Resource Center, sets closure timetable

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Grand Junction City Council voted unanimously on March 31 to authorize a phased wind-down and limited lease extension for the downtown Resource Center at 261 Ute Avenue, approving a timetable that scales back services over the coming months and requires staff follow-up on sanitation, security and transportation.

The council approved a plan that keeps full operations through May 15, moves to a reduced schedule afterward and sets June 30 as the date by which services must be vacated (contractors may complete physical removal into July). The motion passed 7-0 on a roll-call vote.

The decision followed presentations from United Way of Mesa County and Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley and a three-hour public hearing in which service providers, volunteers, downtown business owners and residents urged competing outcomes. Philip Masters, resource center services and outreach coordinator for United Way of Mesa County, said United Way had prepared a staged transition with partners. "United Way of Mesa County has committed to community outreach, transportation, and service transition to our new temporary location," Masters said.

Homeward Bound’s presenter told council the partners planned to move staff and some services to an available North Avenue facility and expected to clear the pavilion and site no later than July 15 if that schedule were needed. "Based on the available dates of subcontractors and an analysis…