After more than a year of scrutiny and an estimated $250,000 in repairs, the Haven of Mercy homeless shelter can now return to its normal capacity of about 70 people.
With the maximum number of residents still capped at 35, the Haven of Mercy homeless shelter has just a few more boxes to check before it can return to normal
With the maximum number of residents still capped at 35, the Haven of Mercy homeless shelter has just a few more boxes to check before it can return to normal
As city staff review sealed drawings from an architect outlining repairs, the Haven of Mercy homeless shelter will continue to operate at a reduced capacity of at most 35 residents.
Members of the Johnson City Board of Dwelling Standards voted 3-1 Thursday to continue consideration of the building at 123 W. Millard St. to their May meeting. Member Dave Jenny voted in opposition, and Jennifer Hyder abstained.
âThere is work going on on the plans as requested,â said Vice Chair Gwen Hunter, explaining her motion to continue. âThatâs been progress, and weâve really not been given any new information.â
In January, the board found that conditions exist at the shelter that increase the risk of fire and injury and ordered the building repaired.
The Johnson City Board of Dwelling Standards will wait until March 25 to consider another order to temporarily vacate the Haven of Mercy, which will give the homeless shelterâs architect time to develop as-built drawings of the building.
Board members voted to continue the matter during a special called meeting on Thursday evening. They hope the decision will provide them with more information about whether itâs safe for residents to stay in the building at 123 W. Millard Ave. as repairs are made.
The decision also means the 35 residents still living at the shelter will be able to stay for at least a little while longer.