Council approves interim permit for Model Cities to run 64‑bed overnight shelter at Central Baptist Church

The City Council adopted Resolution 24‑283 to grant an interim use permit to Model Cities of St. Paul to operate an overnight shelter for up to 64 unaccompanied adults at Central Baptist Church (420 Royce Street). City planning staff summarized site context and operations: the shelter will operate nightly from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., serve adults aged 18 and over, require reservations managed by Ramsey County, provide on‑site security including pre‑opening coverage, and offer daily janitorial services. The permit term is two years with an option to extend one additional year; the applicant informed the council it has a two‑year lease with the church.

Planner Katie Davenley told the council that reuse of an existing permitted non‑residential structure is allowed with a conditional use and that staff finds the four required interim‑use findings met. Davenley described mitigation measures and said the district council (Union Park) supported the interim use, with a small number of comments in opposition uploaded to the record.

Councilmembers stressed the importance of safe operations and county support for transportation; the council adopted the permit unanimously (6–0). "The operational plan and the organization that runs that, I have confidence in and appreciate Model Cities for taking this step," the presiding officer said during deliberations.

Conditions listed by staff will govern occupancy, term, security and inspection enforcement. The council noted complementary warming center operations that night in partnership with Ramsey County.