Planning and Zoning Commission recommends denial of United Way group-living special use permit at 2143 Sixth Avenue West

The Dickinson Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend denial of special use permit SUP002-2025, a United Way proposal to operate a group-living facility at 2143 Sixth Avenue West, after a public hearing in which residents, service providers and the applicant spoke for nearly two hours.

The commission's recommendation to deny was made on a motion that concluded with a roll-call-style affirmation of denial by a majority of members. Commissioners cited the proposal's proximity to existing residences, schools and parks; public safety concerns raised by residents and outside research presented during public comment; and questions about long-term funding and staffing as reasons for the recommendation.

The facility proposed to house a mix of emergency shelter, transitional housing and treatment-space operated in partnership with the Southwest Multicounty Correctional Community Treatment Center (SWMCCC). Natalie Burczyk, the city planner, read staff conditions attached to the draft special use permit, including required on-site lighting plans, annual compliance audits and a schedule of quarterly updates to the planning commission for at least one year after the permit's final approval. She said staff had received both public support and opposition and recommended approval subject to the listed conditions.

United Way executive director Dakota Gant, who led the applicant presentation and answered questions, told commissioners the project would…