Jim Fair
Members of the Daily Bread Ministries' homeless shelter are seeking a variance for a side yard setback to allow the project to move forward. The Board of Zoning Appeals hears the request Jan. 5.
Greer City Engineer Don Hollmon, at a November planning advisory commission (PAC) meeting, told engineers of the ministry’s STEP – Shelter to Empower People – initiative he had “very serious concerns” about the storm water runoff that would flow unchecked into the Sunnyside community.
Norman West, who with Merle State, constructed the Soup Kitchen 20 years ago, said engineers, “Reoriented the building slightly and we’re doubling the size of the retention pond. There are no issues anymore.” West said the shelter has been turned at a slight angle to accommodate the concerns.
Glenn Pace, the city planning and zoning coordinator, said the shelter plans were resubmitted last week and the plan’s inconsistencies with the city’s codes appeared to be remedied. “It looks like everything has been addressed, although I haven’t gone over it in detail, but they should be able to move forward,” Pace said.
The side yard setback variance will be addressed on Monday, Jan. 5. If commissioners deny the variance an appeal could be heard at the Circuit Court of Appeals. Neither party expected that option would be necessary.
Almost half of the cost has been raised. “We want to have the entire project funded by the time it opens,” West said. “We believe once we get the building in the dry there will be opportunities for our partners to contribute.”
The shelter will accommodate four families or individuals at a time. Annual operational costs are projected under $15,000 a year using a volunteer staff.
Groundbreaking was held Oct. 1 and a building was demolished and trees cut down. But all other activity was halted when the city balked at awarding permits. City officials at the PAC meeting suggested the delays might not have been necessary if project planners had consulted with the city earlier in the process.
During the PAC meeting a question of a 100-foot setback from the center of the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks was questioned. That has since been remedied while the CSX track behind the planned shelter and Soup Kitchen does not come into play, West said.
Doubling the size of the retention pond eliminates a second shelter to be built unless additional property is obtained. A vacant building for sale stands between the Soup Kitchen and proposed shelter.
“If everything moves as planned, we expect occupancy in April,” West said. “Now, we want to get grading, put up screens and plant grass.” The stumps will be removed once permits are approved.