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Topeka governing body approves PUD amendment to allow crisis center and seasonal shelter at 2401 Southeast 11th Street
Summary
Council approved a zoning amendment to permit a crisis center-type use and accessory services at Paradise Providence Place, including limits on residents, staff and a seasonal emergency shelter window.
The Topeka governing body on Jan. 21 approved a major amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Paradise Providence Place that allows a crisis center (type 2) and related accessory uses at 2401 Southeast 11th Street.
The vote cleared the ordinance after Planning Division staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval and the applicant’s neighborhood information meeting reported no opposition. Councilwoman Ortiz moved approval; Councilman Hiller seconded the motion. The roll-call vote recorded 10 yes votes and the motion carried.
Why this matters: The approved PUD amendment allows an operator to establish services on the property for people experiencing homelessness, but it includes specific limits and conditions. Dan Warner, the city’s planning-division director, summarized the proposal: “This proposal includes residents for up to 6 homeless individuals, 2 caretaker staff, a clothing and food pantry, and emergency seasonal homeless shelter for up to 20 residents. The seasonal homeless shelter is limited to October 16th to to April 15th,” and he said the seasonal shelter would operate only when the city requests warming-shelter assistance.
What the ordinance does and does not do: The amendment changes the zoning authorization for the property to permit the listed uses and caps capacity as described. It does not itself authorize funding for operations, nor does it obligate the city to provide shelter operations; the transcript records staff and Planning Commission recommendations for approval and the governing body’s vote to adopt the ordinance.
Council discussion and context: Councilwoman Ortiz publicly acknowledged local faith leaders involved with the property and encouraged colleagues to support the amendment. There were required disclosures of ex parte communications; Ortiz stated she had received emails and a letter but said she could be impartial. Planning staff reiterated that the applicant held a neighborhood meeting with no opposition and that the proposal fits within the PUD amendment process.
Next steps: The ordinance was adopted at the Jan. 21 meeting; city staff will record the zoning map amendment and update planning records. Any future changes to operations, capacity or funding for shelter operations would require separate approvals or agreements.
