Peninsula Behavioral Health outlines Northview supportive-housing project; construction pending permits and local funding

Wendy Sisk, chief executive officer of Peninsula Behavioral Health, updated the City Council on Jan. 7 about the nonprofit's planned permanent-supportive housing project referred to as the Northview project and earlier motel-conversion work.

Sisk said her organization previously converted the Olive View Motel into 26 affordable units targeting people with behavioral-health needs, and that model informed a plan to add new permanent-supportive housing at the corner of Second and Oak Streets. "We renovated the Olive View Motel, 26 units of affordable housing, targeting people with behavioral health needs," Sisk said, describing that earlier conversion as a joint project with the city, county and community partners.

Why it matters: City leaders and service providers said the project aims to expand housing options for residents with serious mental illness or substance-use challenges, a population local officials say faces barriers in the private rental market.

Project details and timeline: Sisk summarized the planned new building's unit mix as four two-bedroom family units, 25 one-bedroom units and seven studios. She said the project team had solicited construction bids and that Meeley Construction submitted the low bid; the company pledged to use local workers. Sisk said the construction team was awaiting a right-of-way permit that would allow the project office to move on-site; if permits and financing proceed, Meeley estimated construction could begin in January and finish within 365 days, with possible occupancy in February or March 2026.

Funding and operations: Sisk said funding for the project will combine community donations and other sources; she noted a community donation arrived the morning of the council meeting but did not specify the total budget or the full funding package. "We continue to see donations rolling in to help make sure that we're able to complete this construction in a timely manner," Sisk said.

Support services and operating model: Sisk emphasized the organization's supportive-housing approach: apartments coupled with in-place services to help residents develop rental histories and stabilize. "Our housing model is not just put a person in a box. Our housing model is to put somebody in an apartment and then provide them the supports they need to be successful," she told the council.

Council input and community concerns: Sisk acknowledged prior neighborhood concerns in other projects and said staff will engage neighbors as needed. Council member Amy Miller (referred to in public remarks) and others had previously raised questions about the Alby project; Sisk said she expects to address community concerns through outreach and operating safeguards.

Ending: Council members thanked Sisk for the update and asked staff to return with periodic progress reports. No council vote or land-use decision was taken at the meeting; Sisk asked city staff for continued cooperation on permitting and right-of-way requirements.