‘Great idea, wrong location’: Fixed shelter for homeless adults nixed in Gurnee
A proposal to convert the FairBridge Inn on Grand Avenue in Gurnee to a fixed-site homeless shelter was derailed Monday.
Actually, a $7 million investment by PADS Lake County was eliminated from consideration before an official vote, and a proposed zoning change to allow emergency shelters as a special use in that district was rejected, which made PADS’ request moot.
All involved in the emotional issue said unsheltered homelessness is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Supporters argued the investment was a crucial step toward that end, while also increasing safety improving a blighted property and being a catalyst for public investment.
While opponents agreed the issue needs attention, they argued the location, 3740 Grand Ave., was not the right spot and would increase crime and panhandling, as well as other detrimental effects in the area.
“Great idea, wrong location,” said Jorie Stuckwisch, a spokesperson for business and residents who oppose the plan.
Supporters were disappointed in the outcome, given that three of five village trustees voted in favor of the zoning change.
However, under state law, because the advisory planning and zoning board didn’t recommend the zoning change, a majority vote by all village board members — in this case four — is required to pass a zoning text amendment.
As president of PADS Lake County, Trustee Kevin Woodside had to recuse himself.
Mayor Tom Hood also recused himself to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Riverside Management, a company partially owned by his son, was named as a potential service provider to PADS.
That meant at least four of five trustees had to agree to a zoning change for the PADS special use to be considered. The outcome ended months of pro and con debate.
“There’s been some hard thing said (and) some feeling hurt along the way,” Hood said in explaining the situation to another standing room crowd at village hall Monday. Supporters and opponents each were given 15 minutes to present their sides before trustees commented and then voted.
Trustees Cheryl Ross, Greg Garner and Jeanne Balmes voted in favor of the zoning change that would have allowed the PADS request to proceed; trustees Quin O'Brien and Karen Thorstenson voted against.
O'Brien questioned modifying a zoning rule that would apply to an entire area and said that provisions exist for temporary shelter, just as provided by the Red Cross in disasters, but not fixed-site, permanent shelters.
Thorstenson said the shelter would not protect neighborhood safety or welfare.
Garner said this was “probably the most difficult decision I've ever had to make” in 14 years on the board. A “no” vote would do nothing to improve the situation while support would be an improvement for the East Grand Gateway area.