Homeless Commission Considering Two Potential Roseburg Locations for Urban Campground

Update Dec 11th: The Commission voted this morning against moving forward at the Winchester Street Location. The Ivan Street location and a third undisclosed location will now be considered. --------- The Roseburg Homeless Commission is considering two potential locations for an urban campground, seeking input from both the Commission and the public. The purpose of the urban campground is to provide temporary shelter to individuals and families without permanent housing, aligning with the guiding principles of Oregon statute ORS 197.782 for emergency shelters. Essential requirements for the chosen site include sleeping and restroom facilities, compliance with building codes, location within specified zoning areas, accessibility to transportation, and not posing a health or safety risk. Two sites are currently under consideration: the Winchester Street Site (596 NE Winchester) and the Ivan Street Site. The Winchester Street Site, covering 0.91 acres on the southwest corner of Winchester Avenue and Shambrook Street, offers room for 50-60 tents or tiny shelters, low purchase and startup costs, and access to utilities. It's close to services, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, and in the Urban Renewal Area, which could provide infrastructure funding. However, its challenges include high visibility, mixed zoning, and insufficient capacity for the entire homeless population. The Ivan Street Site (232 NE Ivan St), encompassing two parcels totaling 0.49 acres, includes a heated metal building and is similarly equipped with utilities and low startup costs. It has space for 30-40 tents but shares similar negatives to the Winchester site, including mixed zoning and limited capacity. Financial considerations for these properties are significant, with the sale price for each property at $225,000. The estimated development costs are $95,000 for the Winchester site and $49,500 for the Ivan site, potentially funded through ARPA. The City has entered a purchase agreement for the Winchester property with a contingency on City Council approval. The Ivan Street property, while not officially for sale, has been negotiated for a cash sale agreement if the City Council decides to proceed. The Commission has three options: recommend proceeding with the purchase of one of the properties, advise against purchasing either property, or request additional information. This decision will be influenced by public input, the need for a suitable location that meets statutory requirements, and the balance between the cost of development and the benefits provided to the homeless population. There will be a meeting at City Hall on Monday December 11th at 11am to discuss the decision and hear input from the public. More information about the possible plans can be seen here: https://www.cityofroseburg.org/storage/app/media/Commission%20Docs/Homeless%20Commission/2023%20Meetings/-%2012-11-2023%20Homeless%20Commission%20Agenda%20Packet.pdf