After a recent snowstorm moved a zoning notice sign, there’s delayed development for a Safe Bay at the Vineyard Church. The future temporary outdoor living site would help people experiencing homelessness by allowing them to spend the night in their vehicle in the parking lot, but also permitting access to other amenities inside the church. The City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Department are rescheduling to discuss the permit.

Barry Schull, the Compassion Ministries Director organizing the Safe Bay says people need a safe place to stay. They’re also trying to even upgrade part of their building to ensure there’s hot water for people who will need to shower in the summer.

“One thing we got to upgrade our water heater here at the church. If you have more than two people take a shower, they’re going to be out of water. I’m disappointed it’s getting pushed back, but I understand. In Duluth you have to notify the public of zoning changes,” Schull said. “I’m assuming that this area is residential. It’ll probably get changed to mixed use. There’s a lot of people that are sleeping in their cars.”

The delayed development for a Safe Bay has caused some frustrations for Vineyard Church obtaining their permit. Schull said it would be worthwhile for other churches in Duluth to help Chum and the Damiano Center with setting up temporary outdoor living spaces.

“We only have so much capacity. If there are some other churches in the area that want to do something similar, get approval from their parishioners, and from the city I think it’d be wonderful.”

There have been several neighbors at Vineyard Church who’ve written emails to the Duluth Planning Commission on establishing a Safe Bay. Schull says there are continuing to draw clear lines on what’s acceptable for people using area.

“We’re doing everything we can to mitigate those concerns. Some of those things include like boundaries for where the church property is. If you go off the church property into the neighbor’s property that would be trespassing,” Schull said. “We’ll make that very clear for the people that will be staying here. Another thing was barrier fences of some sort. We’re going to do our best to come up with something that’s affordable, but effective.”

The City of Duluth’s Planning Commission meeting for the Vineyard Church Safe Bay is now on Tuesday May 13th. The will hear public comments on the matter. The Planning and Economic Development Department will also include all public comments.