Offering Code Blue solution
Bethesda Episcopal Church reaches out to Shelters of Saratoga to offer location to house the homeless on sub-32 degree nights
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Bethesda Episcopal Church reached out to Shelters of Saratoga about bringing a permanent location for Code Blue at it’s site on 41 Washington St.
Bethesda Episcopal Church plans to build a New Parish House and Community Center soon.
“We have the space, and God has called us to serve those in need,” said Reverend Marshall J. Vang, Interim Rector in a release. “The need for Code Blue to have a safe, permanent location is in the forefront of the community’s agenda at this time.
“We believe our proposal and our location will address this need in a way that can unite the community.”
Earlier this year, Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals
ruled that the plans for the permanent Code Blue shelter fit the zoning requirements for the neighborhood, but neighbors of the proposed shelter at 20 Walworth St. — the location of Shelters of Saratoga — filed a lawsuit fighting the board’s decision.
The city’s Planning Board is scheduled to vote on granting a special use permit Thursday night.
The attorney for the neighbors, Claudia Braymer, said they will wait for Thursday’s decision before deciding any additional legal action.
The neighbors have said they are concerned the Code Blue shelter — which provides shelter for the homeless on nights when the temperature dips below 32 degrees — is a bad fit for the neighborhood and could negatively impact those people already living in the vicinity.
Bethesda’s plans have received all necessary regulatory approvals from the city, and would be allowed under Federal law as well, according to the press release.
“Our only need at this point is additional capital fundraising,” said Darren Miller, Bethesda Senior Warden. “Our hope is that Bethesda’s Community Center, in keeping with our core mission, can provide a safe, central location that can unite the community, and provide the needed space without further regulatory or court delays.
“In addition, we can provide space for programs and enhancements not available at Shelters’s proposed Walworth Street site.”
The new building is planned to comprise nearly 20,000 square feet, including a full catering kitchen, dining hall, parish offices and space for organizations compatible with Bethesda’s mission. A final round of capital fundraising is required prior to executing a mortgage and breaking ground, according to Bethesda Episcopal Church.
Additionally, Bethesda Episcopal Church sent letters to Saratoga County Supervisors, Saratoga Springs City Council as well as community leaders.
In February 2017, Shelters of Saratoga announced the Mitzen family would pay for the costs of the proposed facility at Walworth.
Shelters of Saratoga said Tuesday that “something will go out in the next few days” in response to Bethesda Episcopal Church’s request.
The Soul Saving Station Church, 62 Henry St., has been the temporary host of the Code Blue shelter for the past two winters.