Phoenix needs permit to open new West Valley homeless shelter before summer
Phoenix will soon learn whether it can build a new shelter in time to house people before extreme heat kicks in.
On Thursday, Phoenix will present its case to the Board of Adjustment, a group of seven residents appointed by the council to hear zoning appeals and issue permits. The city-owned site at 11 S. 71st Avenue, which is near Broadway Road, is properly zoned but needs a permit to operate a shelter.
Phoenix wants to offer 280 beds, along with on-site services to help people end their homelessness. Meals and personal property storage will be provided, along with space for pets. If approved, it will operate as a closed campus with 24/7 security, a code of conduct and curfew, and no walk-up services.
The city says it’s working with surrounding neighborhood groups to include a six-month review of the use permit, once approved, “and creating a 15-member community advisory committee that consists of a majority of local residents or neighbors. The proposed committee would meet monthly leading up to the opening of the proposed shelter and quarterly thereafter. The City will also work to finalize a Good Neighbor Agreement with the community. The Good Neighbor Agreement will address items not included in the stipulations that cover, in writing, how the City and shelter provider will work with neighbors to promptly address concerns.”
The Board of Adjustment will meet at noon Thursday, April 4.
City officials said there are two options to attend the Board of Adjustment meeting or request to speak:
- In-person attendance at Phoenix City Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Speaker and comment cards will be available at the meeting site.
- Attend virtually. A link to register to attend and/or speak will be available when the agenda is posted at phoenix.gov/cityclerk/publicmeetings/notices. Registration to speak must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 2. Reference case # ZA-734-23.
Residents who have any questions or concerns about the proposed shelter are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Homeless Solutions at [email protected].
