BAKERSFIELD. CALIF. — The City of Bakersfield is continuing it's efforts to include the public in it's decision on a new low-barrier homeless shelter.
The next meeting is set to take place Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Mechanics Bank Convention Center. The public is invited to attend the meeting and offer comments and ask questions of Staff about the project.
This past month the City held two meeting to introduce the public to the new shelter and receive feedback.
The City is considering two locations for the new shelter, 1900 E. Brundage Lane and 501 Brown Street.
The Calcot property is located in councilmember Willie Rivera's ward. According to the city, it's a 7.42 acres office complex with 34,832 sq-ft of office space and an additional 34,975 sq-ft of warehouse space. The city says the property has the potential to grow after three years from 150 beds to 450 beds and allows for an all-inclusive shelter.
The City says they are considering another location located on 601 Brown Street but space is limited. Brown Street is only 1.89 acres with 9,500 sq-ft of office space and 22,800 sq-ft of warehouse space. They say the potential for growth is limited and that the site is located across the street from a residential area. The Brown Street property is also located in councilmember Andrae Gonzales's ward which already has the Bakersfield Homeless Center and the Mission At Kern County.
The City has also created a video presentation similar to the presentations given during the first two meetings.
