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Cadillac City Council Approves Zoning Change, Special Permits For Homeless Shelters

"I think the community wants to provide access to resources to all of its citizens."

It’s a change that could open more doors for homeless shelters in Cadillac…

The city made a move to change zoning rules to help organizations help the homeless.

The Cadillac City council approved amendments to the city’s zoning code last night — making family shelters possible in certain areas of the city were prohibited.

It’s a process we’ve been keeping you updated on for months.

9&10’s Cody Boyer and photojournalist Derrick Larr have more details as to how this will all work.

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The Cadillac Planning Commission proposed that shelters only be allowed in one area last year.

But last night they agreed to allow them nearly anywhere except a certain area around Lake Cadillac.

“They cut it down to 500 [feet] and then everyone was pretty pleased with that,” says Brenda Wright, Executive Director of New Hope Shelter.

Brenda wright directs five shelters in Cadillac.

She uses the word "finally" to describe last night’s meeting.

“Finally, an ordinance has been passed,” Wright says. “There had to be an ordinance in order for us to apply for a special use permit."

The new amendment, she says, will make it easier for homeless shelters to function.

“The process is in place where we can apply for special use permit and get the permission from the city,” Wright says.

The ordinance change brings the distance closer to where you can build a homeless shelter a little bit closer to the lake.

The radius requirement is now around 500 feet.

Compare that to the last recommendation…around 1000 feet.

“That that would add when you are adding 2 and a half blocks to the original amendment of 1000 feet,” says Pastor David McMahon, First Baptist Church of Cadillac.

McMahon was one of many at the meeting.

“I think it’s very positive,” McMahon says. “I think it was a good compromise that was made in regards to the ordinance. I think the community wants to provide access to resources to all of its citizens."

…And others living near the lake even say it’s the right move.

“I was very pleased about the outcome,” says Jean Vincent, a resident near the lake shore. “I think it says good things about the Cadillac community."

Brenda at New Hope says her shelter is meeting next week to talk about what they can do now.

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