Grants Pass, OR – In a recent memorandum addressed to Mayor Bristol and the City Council, City Manager Aaron K. Cubic highlighted growing concerns surrounding the management of the city’s current resting locations for the unhoused. The letter, dated October 8, 2024, outlined several issues associated with the existing policy and proposed potential changes aimed at alleviating these challenges.
The current policies were initially adopted to regulate time, place, and manner for resting in public spaces, successfully leading to increased recreational use of parks and minimizing their use for sleeping. However, policy changes allowing individuals to remain at resting sites for up to a week have blurred the lines between short-term rest and semi-permanent habitation. Cubic notes that this shift has strained the original intent of these resting sites, creating a conflict between public park use and providing services for the unhoused.
According to the city manager, the extended resting hours, changes in weather, and heightened service demand have compounded the difficulties in managing the sites. Concerns also include the significant city resources required for site management and the potential legal risks associated with compliance to ADA standards.
To address these concerns, Cubic recommended exploring a new approach. One proposal involves revising the current policies on time, place, and manner, possibly modifying exclusion or inclusion criteria. Another suggestion involves shifting away from unmanaged sites towards a model that aligns with the city’s policy of controlled environments for longer stays. This would potentially include leasing a building located at 1990 NW Washington Blvd for $16,000 per month and contracting with service providers, estimating an annual cost of $1.5 million.
The memo indicates a proactive stance by the city in adapting policies to better address community needs while managing resources effectively. The proposed changes aim to find a balance between supporting the unhoused and maintaining park use for the general public. Further deliberations by the city council are expected to follow.
