Council hears progress report on 181 Cumberland Street "Open Doors" shelter; no opening date set

Council Vice President Sierra told the City Council Monday that substantial life-safety, electrical and related work at 181 Cumberland Street -- the Open Doors shelter site -- has been completed and inspections are pending.

Sierra said the life-safety permit work has been completed and the fire department is scheduling the inspection needed to close the permit. "There is a 60 hour time window to prep the panel for the inspection," Sierra said. She added that the electrical permit work has been cleared and that the plumbing portion of the laundry-room permit is closed; only the mechanical portion (venting) remains under review.

Sierra said automatic door closers have been installed and that nine doors with wired windows have been stamped. Four doors without mesh glass need upgrading; the glass has been ordered but the work is not yet complete. "There is no set date for the opening," she said, but added, "it is safe to say that ... opening appears on the horizon."

Why it matters: The building's change-of-use permit and life-safety approvals are necessary before the shelter can occupy the site and begin operations. Vice President Sierra and public-works staff indicated remaining items are largely finishing work and final inspections.

Council and staff said the remaining mechanical and glass work will limit only the laundry-room use and not block shelter operations once the final building permit is closed. Sierra also provided updates on related items including bids for misting stations at D—77n Park and a developing memorial garden at Cold Spring Park.