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Moorhead council approves YouthWorks plan for 30‑bed transitional housing for young adults
Summary
The Moorhead City Council approved a conditional‑use permit allowing YouthWorks to convert a former 30‑bed assisted‑living facility into transitional housing and support services for people ages 18–24. The planning commission recommended approval with conditions; the council voted to approve after questions about staffing and safety were answered.
The Moorhead City Council on Feb. 9 approved a conditional‑use permit for YouthWorks to convert a former 30‑bed assisted‑living facility on 3rd Avenue South into transitional housing for people ages 18–24.
Robin Houston, a city planner, told the council the planning commission unanimously recommended approval with ten conditions and that the city’s environmental review was completed and “categorically excluded.” Mark Heiner, executive director of YouthWorks, told the council the center “will hold up to 30 individuals at any one point in time” and typically provide stays of six to eight months, with a maximum eligibility period of 18 months.
Heiner described on‑site supports the nonprofit will provide: “We will be providing individual case management, life‑skills support, housing navigation,” and staff will be on site throughout the day with overnight staffing as well. When a council member asked whether the program would have 24/7 coverage, Heiner replied, “Yes…we will have 24/7 staff.” He also said the program will coordinate with the police department on expectations and emergency response.
Council members asked several operational questions — about staffing levels, security and the anticipated impact on traffic and parking — and Heiner said the interior use will remain similar to the prior use as a care facility and that only minor physical changes are planned (disarming a memory‑care alarm and replacing a commercial kitchen stove with a residential unit). Heiner said staff expect six to eight daytime workers and overnight coverage.
Councilmember Heather Niesemeyer said the proposal responds to a demonstrated need in the Fargo‑Moorhead area and thanked YouthWorks for bringing a local option. After discussion, the council moved and carried a roll‑call vote to approve item 10c. Mayor Shelley Carlson welcomed YouthWorks to Moorhead and said the facility will provide a “safe place to put their head at night.”
The planning commission’s resolution and conditions are on file with the city; the council minutes record the approval but the resolution number was not specified during the meeting. The applicant said the program will accept residents who lack a place to stay; further details about referral sources, funding or long‑term operating commitments were not specified in the meeting record.
Next steps: YouthWorks and city staff will implement the planning‑commission conditions and finalize permitting and occupancy timing as required. The council did not attach any additional operational restrictions during the Feb. 9 vote.
