Planning commission denies temporary homeless shelter at 615 North B Street after public opposition

The Fort Smith Planning Commission on Sept. 9 rejected a conditional use request to allow Next Step Homeless Services to operate a day-shelter and support services from a church-owned building at 615 North B Street.

Planning staff presented Conditional Use 9-9-25, noting the request by Mag Architecture on behalf of Saint John’s Episcopal Church would allow Next Step to move its day-room, showers, case management, laundry and some office space into the existing 6,200-square-foot building. Staff recommended denial, saying the move would expand operations into a residential neighborhood and run counter to a previously approved Board of Directors planned zoning district (Ordinance 33-22) that conditioned a new facility on closing the existing location at 123 North Sixth Street. Staff also noted neighborhood input, and — while listing possible permit conditions if the commission chose to approve — recommended denial.

The proposal drew extensive public comment at the meeting.…