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Board approves buffer variances for Sea Haven campus expansion to support homeless youth
Summary
Sea Haven leaders and their engineer asked for buffer reductions to construct an office building supporting a campus for homeless and runaway youth; the board approved variances after hearing that extensive perimeter planting could create hiding places and that their funds are limited.
The board approved 100% variances for perimeter landscape buffers to accommodate a modest office building serving the Sea Haven campus for homeless youth, after nonprofit leaders described safety and funding constraints.
Dan Parks of Earthworks Group and Sea Haven president Dean DeMatteo explained the organization’s long-running operations: Sea Haven provides crisis and short-term care for runaway and homeless youth and partners with local law enforcement and schools. Dean DeMatteo said the group has limited funds and requested relief from certain buffer requirements to keep the project affordable. Laura Von Herman, Sea Haven’s director of operations, said heavy perimeter landscaping could create concealment spots and increase safety risks for the youth the organization serves.
Board members and staff weighed the public benefit of Sea Haven’s services against the code’s landscape requirements; the board approved the variances with conditions and several members publicly commended Sea Haven’s role in the community.
