DULUTH, MN (Northern News Now) – Days after it opened, the controversial Safe Bay, which offers the homeless a place to park and sleep in the Duluth Vineyard Church parking lot, is temporarily closed after neighbors filed an appeal.
On May 13, the Duluth Planning Commission approved an interim use permit for an outdoor living site in the church’s parking lot, located on West Arrowhead Road.
The Safe Bay began operating shortly after that vote.
However, an attorney representing neighbors filed an appeal with the Duluth City Clerk on May 21.
The lawsuit says, in part, “The appeal is based upon allegations that the permit was issued in violation of the Duluth Legislative Code. The group of neighbors also have serious concerns about alleged false public statements made by both the Vineyard Christian Church and Chum, the organization tasked with daily operational management of the outdoor living site.”
The lawsuit also alleges opposed neighbors are being threatened for speaking out against the Safe Bay online.
Based on city code, any appeal requires a “stay of use,” or temporary closure, until the City Council can hear the appeal.
The City Council expects to take up the conversation during a special meeting on Thursday, June 5.
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