Council tables decision on Plains Motel conditional-use permit for Crossroads supportive housing

The City Council tabled action on a conditional use permit application to allow long-term supportive housing at the Plains Motel and directed further local outreach and information gathering before deciding.

The hearing, which drew more than a dozen public speakers, featured a detailed presentation by Daniel Bowler, executive director of Crossroads Mission Avenue, who described the nonprofit’s long-term transitional housing model, funding sources and screening procedures. Bowler said the proposed Plains Motel conversion would provide 20 units of supported living and that residents would pay $575 a month to cover utilities, room and board and programming. He said Crossroads aims for residents to remain roughly a year, calling the model “long term” and adding that the program expects case management, drug and alcohol accountability and wraparound services from partner agencies. Bowler summarized Crossroads’ funding mix: revenue from Mission Avenue Thrift stores (roughly a third), private donors (roughly a third), a recycling program and contract reimbursements; he also said the Federal Home Loan Bank provides grants the organization uses for capital projects and cited a potential $1.5 million grant as an opportunity for the Plains Motel work.

Public commenters included local clergy, social-service providers and residents who both supported and raised concerns about capacity, available follow-up housing in town after program completion, police interactions and local mental-health infrastructure. Pastor Kevin Retell and others described repeated instances of local residents experiencing homelessness and urged the council to provide local options. Owner John Donzak said he is willing to sell the property but clarified no purchase agreement has been signed.

Council deliberations focused on local capacity for supportive services, the limits of local infrastructure for mental health and substance-use care, and whether the permit should be acted on before a purchase agreement and additional community outreach. Members noted concerns about transferability of a conditional use tied to a property sale; staff clarified that a conditional use is tied to the property and would transfer with the property if zoning/conditions remain unchanged. Crossroads asked for a council decision on the current schedule but said tabling would likely push them to the next round of grant funding; Crossroads’ grant cycle begins in June with a December announcement.

Outcome and next steps: Council members moved and seconded a motion to table the matter to allow more time for council study and community feedback; a tentative date of June 30 was discussed for further consideration. The item will return to council after the additional outreach and any updates from the applicant about property purchase or grant timing.