Zoning overlay for Lifebridge shelter expansion receives first passage

By Michael McHugh at The Salem News

SALEM — The ordinance to create a project-based zoning overlay to expand the Lifebridge homeless shelter on Margin Street received first passage and was returned to committee by the City Council with a 9-2 vote.

Through the adoption of a 40R Smart Growth Overlay District, the project seeks to expand the Lifebridge shelter to provide the formerly homeless with a more humane shelter than the current congregate model that places 50 bunk beds in a large, open interior space with shared facilities and little privacy.

In addition to improving the space with partial walls separating each bed, the plan calls for the creation of about 53 studio apartments — 41 of which are new studio apartments, with the remaining 12 replacing existing single room occupancy units — as well as an additional 70 non-congregate shelter beds, and improved services.

The plan from Harborlight Homes LLC proposes to keep the structure of the St. Mary’s Italian Church property, and add new wings to the building. The new studio apartments would be placed in the left wing of the church, while the church and wings to the right would be used for Lifebridge programs, beds and offices.

With the nearly four year-permitting process approaching completion, the majority of City Council members expressed confidence in moving forward despite some questions about the Lifebridge board and local preference. Lifebridge has indicated that it expects the apartments to have a local preference for 70% of the units in the lottery.

“I have a couple questions that remain unanswered,” Councilor at-Large Ty Hapworth said. “Namely the makeup of the Lifebridge board, where I would want to see a guarantee from Lifebridge for a Salem resident moving forward on that board. I’m pleased to see the local preference for the Harborlight units, and I understand that it may not be possible to guarantee that for future applicants, and that’s a little bit of a gray area.“

“I would like to get the first passage in, but want an answer to those questions before the second passage.”

Ward 1 Councilor Cynthia Jerzylo, who voted with Councilor at-Large John Harvey against first passage of the proposed zoning, spoke to the concerns that residents and abutters have raised about the project’s scope and safety.

“I deeply admire the work Lifebridge has done to support those experiencing homelessness, and I know firsthand how challenging and important that work is,” Jerzylo said. “However, I agree with many residents that the shelter needs to be more cognizant of the community’s concerns, frustrations and safety issues.”

She cited the lack of outdoor space and daytime programming for residents who exit the shelter by 8 a.m.

Jerzylo also highlighted several points made by residents during previous public meetings, including one idea that the $65 million proposed for this project could instead be used to help individuals move out of shelters and into permanent housing.

Ward 3 Councilor Patricia Morsillo emphasized the importance of Lifebridge continuing to conduct more regular outreach around the property, with the results of previously insufficient communication resulting in a “neighborhood that is broken over this project.

“I have had numerous issues with the way the project has been presented by the developers, their tone, how the public meetings dissolved into shouting and threats, and the inability to have a meaningful discussion if the room held more than 10 people,” she said. “… Whether the zoning passes or not, communication between the neighborhood and Lifebridge management and staff needs to be strengthened.”

With first passage of the zoning overlay now approved, the matter is expected to return before the City Council on Nov. 13 for a vote on second passage.

A full project outline with a timeline of design changes can be found on Harborlight Home’s website at harborlighthomes.org/lifebridge-supportive/