East Long Beach residents are concerned about a complicated proposal that would give the city control of Army-owned property near Grand Avenue and Willow Street, turn it into a new police substation, and then require construction of a daytime homeless services center 400 feet away.
Few are publicly opposed to the police substation - the existing cop shop on Los Coyotes Diagonal is small and aged - but there is growing opposition to the homeless drop-in center proposed for an acre site next to the Long Department of Health and Human Services on Grand and Burnet Street.
A city advisory committee, after reviewing applicants, has recommended that the Mental Health Association of Greater Los Angeles run the proposed "Homeless Healthcare Access Program." The same group also operates well-regarded programs in downtown Long Beach and in other locations.
Much good could come from the homeless center-police station deal. The federal government would turn over, and possibly clean up, a 4.73 acre section of Schroeder Hall - a training center used by the California National Guard - for the badly needed Eastside station, the last of four police stations waiting to be upgraded. The center is tentatively slated for closure in 2011; police could move their operations to the new center by about 2013.
After going over the proposal closely with a strong proponent, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, whose 5th District territory includes both properties being discussed, and reviewing the nuts and bolts of the project from City Manager Pat West, we believe there would be little impact on schools, parks and residential neighborhoods. The homeless center - not a shelter, mind you - would be located in an industrial area.
However, some nearby 4th District residents, as well as a grass-roots group, Neighborhoods First, are opposed. They contend that there is no reason to upset a stable neighborhood - a good but invalid point when it comes to this proposal.
Schipske says she has received fewer than 10 phone calls and e-mails in opposition from 5th District residents. West says he likes the proposal, and that city staff worked hard to develop it, but is also directing his employees to actively seek out alternate locations as possible backup plans that can be presented to residents.
The proposed homeless center location, however, is close to perfect as it is, when it comes to projects of this type. It does not abut a residential area and is located on a bus line - the preferred method of transit for those without cars. There is talk, but not formal confirmation, that the program would shuttle homeless clients to and from appointments in private vans to minimize the impact. The idea is for those in need to visit the center during the day and leave before even school lets out.
The center would operate from about 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a healthy distance from the nearest elementary school (Buffum) and park (Stearns). The early closing time would give the homeless ample time to reach shelters, which tend to open at dusk.
Philosophically
That doesn't mean the Eastside should be overrun, but the center - as described by city officials - would not do that at all, serving about 90 homeless people a day. And finally, the center would serve those with severe mental illnesses; folks who pose more of a threat if they go untreated. The center's very purpose, getting people off of the streets, could actually help reduce homelessness.
The City Council so far is largely in favor; Councilman Patrick O'Donnell dissented on the last vote. His 4th District territory includes a portion of a nearby neighborhood, the charming Art-Craft Manor, and his constituents make up the bulk of the opposition. (Schipske serves another swath of the same tract.)
O'Donnell's position is understandable,
In addition, the police station would serve the entire Eastside, not just the 4th or 5th districts. And police would be near the homeless drop-in center at all times and could address any problems with the clientele.
Then there's this: In order for the city to control re-use of the Army site, it must guarantee the federal government, the Department of Housing and Urban and Development, in this case, that it will provide services for the homeless. If the city does not comply with the criteria, the Army could use the federal land as it sees fit, Schipske said, adding that high-density housing is among the proposals floating around.
She - and we - would prefer local control of the land. The military should not make planning decisions for this city; the City Council should.
