11-14-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 17. \994 SKETCH PLAN ‘ ii [ 1 I ' (#16) #1978 WESTONKA INTERVENTION PROJECT, 2380 SHADY^VOOD ROAD - SKETCH PLAN PROPOSAL < NO PUBUC HEARING REQUHIED Valerie and Dan Hessburg. Exi present. ive Directors of Westoidca Intervention Project, were Mabusth reported the applicant has filed a sketch plan application requesting a zoning amendment to allow a residential shelter for battered women and their children. Orono's single fomily residential zoning does not permit such use nor does its commercial zones. Support is being sought from the Planning Commission to amend the zoning code, which would resuk in Staff presenting the findings to the City Council. The Council must first direct the Planning Commission and Staff to proceed with a zomng amendment. The area in question is the old Grace Baptist Church, located at Co Rds IS and 19 in Navarre, winch is in a LR4C zoning district. The she plan shows the topography of the area but has not yet addressed the parking issue. The floor plans reveal the lower level would be used for sleqxng unhs consisting of lune rooms to handle up to a 20-person capacity level. A kitchen facility is also available in the church. The building would house the pre^ offices as well. Mabusth noted that a sprinkler system is not required for this buikfii^i. (#16 - #1978 > Westonka Intervention Project - Continued) Mr. Hessburg informed the P'—ning Commisson members of the project's purpose, its detail, ami who would benefit firom the project. The project purpose is to break the cycle of violence prevahuit in so many relationships. This building would give the victims and their children a place to stay while determii^ their next step. The police notify the agency. Volunteer advocates pick up the victim and encourage them to place a restraining order against the alleged batterer and counsels the victim on what their options are at the time. The prefect is staffed by eight paid administrative staff, five fulltime and three parttime, and 18 volunteers. The staff is paid by the Dqrartment of Corrections and Human Services on a per-diem basis resulting in $68 per day per victim per child. Part of the per diem would pty for the facility. Other monies are received from block grant and Minnesota Finance Housing money. The plan is *o purchase the building for $190,000 with $80,000 dovm payment and financing of the remainder. The building would meet the demand of assisting 429 people per year. Statistics show the western subuibs' needs for this fiicility would surpass thiu number but have no plans for expansion.