UPDATE Nov. 14, 12:00 p.m.: Low Income Housing Institute Executive Director Sharon Lee said that the advisory committee consists of a range of community stakeholders, from those who are concerned, to neutral, to supporters of the project. Their first meeting will be November and will meet monthly for an undetermined amount of time.

The committee will have their say on such subjects as how prospective residents of the senior housing apartments are screened, how the Urban Rest Stop would be managed, what hours it would be open, what services are given and any other concerns that may be raised.

Lee said she was not sure when the master permit for the Urban Rest Stop portion of the project would be applied for, but said that it will be likely sometime in 2013.

She noted that the Urban Rest Stop in University District, which opened just a few months ago, has been doing well. It serves 50 to 60 people a day, she said, and the community so far has been extremely positive and supportive of it. She said there was a real need in the University District for the Stop's services, especially for young adults.

Original Story:

The Low Income Housing Institute will be forming a community advisory committee to help with progress on a proposed Urban Rest Stop, according to a letter sent out by Sharon Lee, executive director of the Low Income Housing Institute.

The Urban Rest Stop, which would be on the ground floor of the Ballard Senior Apartments, would provide a place for homeless people to take care of basic hygiene needs, use the restroom and get basic healthcare. The six-story building would be developed at 2014 NW 57th St.

The advisory committee will consist of stakeholders within the community, including supporters, adjacent neighbors, people with concerns and more. Lee writes in the letter that they are in the process of sending out invitations.

Currently, LIHI has withdrawn the Urban Rest Stop from the Master Use Permit application due to community concerns, according to the letter. The application is now only for the Ballard Senior Apartments, so they can push it through, and they will apply for a separate permit for the Urban Rest Stop.

We will update with further information, including how the advisory committee will work and who will be invited.

Questions and comments may be directed at sharonl@lihi.org, or (206) 443-9935.

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