Johnson County residents packed a meeting in Olathe Wednesday night to find out more about plans for converting a hotel in a busy shopping area into a homeless shelter.
However, the $10.5 million plan for the LaQuinta Inn off I-35 on 95th Street still faces an uphill battle. At last count in January Johnson County had 250 people who were homeless, 58 without shelter. The county has an agreement to buy LaQuinta Inn and renovate it into a 50-bed shelter for single adults living in their own rooms. “We have a real chance to address this now when it’s manageable and functionally end homelessness in Johnson County,” Mike Kelly, Johnson County Board of Commissioners Chairman said. The money to purchase and renovate the hotel would use COVID-19 relief funds. Johnson County selected reStart to run the homeless services center. Last month they applied for a special use permit in the City of Lenexa, but staff are recommending it be denied. Details on why will be released on Thursday. Wednesday evening at a packed meeting in Olathe, reStart was addressing what it calls myths and fears. They say residents will receive referrals, and they won’t be lining up to get in. They’re also planning safety and security measures as well as mental health services. “It’s not going to increase crime, it’s not going to have a negative impact on neighborhoods or businesses,” Stephanie Boyer said. Lenexa has described more information about what staff considers when deciding on special use permits including how removing restrictions will detrimentally affect nearby properties and relative gains to public health, safety, welfare and property values. “I get it. This is a unique project that we haven’t seen anywhere in Johnson County before for a 24/7 365 shelter,” Kelly said. Johnson County will host another meeting with residents on Thursday from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Monticello Community Meeting Room at Monticello Library, 22435 W. 66th St., Shawnee. The homeless services center will go before Lenexa’s Planning Commission Monday, August 26 and Lenexa City Council September 17. Source: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports
