Needles planning commission approves Pacific Clinics clubhouse at East Broadway with conditions

The Needles Planning Commission voted to approve a special‑use permit allowing Pacific Clinics to open a 1,200‑square‑foot social support center (a “clubhouse”) at 1060 East Broadway on Aug. 7. A commissioner moved to adopt Resolution 08‑07‑0224‑PC and another commissioner seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote after conditions addressing application signatures and documentation were noted.

City planning staff presented the proposal and recommended approval, saying property owners within 300 feet had been noticed and no written public comments were received. Peggy Romero, a city planning staff member, reviewed site access, the floor plan and the recommended conditions, and said staff would file a notice of exemption under CEQA if the commission approved the permit.

The applicant described programming, staffing and limits on services. Dr. Kathy Curiel, senior clinical director for Pacific Clinics, said the center will operate as a peer‑based clubhouse that provides social, vocational and recovery supports and helps members navigate housing and benefits. “We are steadfast in our vision to address the exceptional ambitions that contribute to the overall health and well‑being of every individual we serve,” Curiel said. The organization proposed two full‑time clubhouse specialists and one full‑time lead specialist for the Needles location; staff and applicants confirmed the specialists are certified through California’s Medi‑Cal peer certification program and receive additional training in crisis management, CPR and first aid.

Applicant representatives clarified the site will not provide housing or overnight services. Mauricio (applicant staff) said the Needles clubhouse will not include showers, beds or a cooking facility, though the center may provide a refrigerator and noncooking meal options for members in need. The center’s hours were described as Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with individualized safety plans for members and crisis referral procedures for after‑hours emergencies.

Pacific Clinics said the Needles site would operate under an existing agreement with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. Applicant testimony reported a contract term beginning July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028, and described the county as the program funder that receives regular reports on services and fiscal outcomes.

Commissioners raised procedural and neighborhood concerns. One commissioner asked staff to verify a discrepancy in the handwritten application (an address listed on the form differed from the site plan) and requested a signed lease or an explicit applicant signature on the application; the commission made submission of corrected application materials and a lease copy a condition of approval. Another commissioner voiced concern about placing the clubhouse in the downtown/historic block and the potential effect on tourism, while others emphasized the need for behavioral‑health services after the recent local clinic closure.

Public commenters spoke in favor of the proposal. Anne McGrath, who said she has experience with similar programs in other counties, described the clubhouse model as a way to connect people to housing and work supports; Cheryl, a behavioral‑health client, said the center would be an asset for people who need a comfortable place to get help; and Peter Tovars said the clubhouse would benefit people with serious mental‑health conditions by offering peer supports.

Before the vote, staff reiterated that any future proposal to add showers, beds, laundries or similar residential supports would require a separate amendment and a return to the commission. The commission’s motion approving Resolution 08‑07‑0224‑PC included a condition requiring corrected applicant signatures and submission of the lease; the resolution also referenced the CEQA categorical exemption cited in the staff report (Guidelines §15332).

The planning commission approved the permit by voice vote; individual roll‑call vote tallies were not recorded in the hearing record. Staff indicated they will withhold final administrative filing until the applicant provides the requested signed documents and any corrected application materials. The commission closed the public hearing and continued with the manager’s report and regular business.