Planning commission tables United Way Dickinson special‑use permit for former Evergreen building after extended public hearing

The City of Dickinson Planning and Zoning Commission on May 14 tabled action on a special use permit application from United Way Dickinson to operate a multipurpose group living facility at 2143 Sixth Avenue West (the former Evergreen long‑term care facility). Commissioners opened an extended public hearing, heard more than a dozen residents and agency representatives, and directed staff to review additional materials before the commission takes a recommendation to the City Commission.

United Way Dickinson executive director Dakota Gant presented a comprehensive operations plan and facility design for a three‑story, 79‑room facility that would combine low‑barrier emergency shelter, inpatient and outpatient substance‑use treatment, transitional supportive housing and a tenant House of Mana supply center. "This is not just a homeless shelter," Gant said. "This is alcohol treatment to individuals in need, provide an alternative to incarceration, a diversion program, support individuals exiting treatment or homelessness, reduce recidivism through structure and care coordination, improve neighborhood safety by offering housing and supervision instead of unsheltered homelessness." He described 24‑hour staffing, security cameras, a perimeter privacy fence, private rooms with individual bathrooms, program…