Following a three-hour community discussion, the county has agreed to turn a focus away from a supportive housing development at the highly contested North Mesa street site in Susanville with the potential to engage in talks with the City of Susanville to explore a city-owned property on HWY 139.
Over 100 people gathered at Jensen Hall to review the current county project status and express concerns about the proposed North Mesa Street site this week. Public Health representative Barbara Longo and county housing and grants division member Grace Pool were also in attendance, fielding questions about the housing, such as who the housing will be available to, whether background checks will be conducted, and how the neighborhood will be affected. While many attendees acknowledged the need for affordable housing, they continued to express opposition to the North Mesa location. Several audience members shared their experiences with homelessness and offered support for the project.
Supervisor Chairman Gary Bridges and others proposed an ideal alternative site on Highway 139, yet the city owns the property. The idea received strong support. After hearing from the community, Barbara Longo noted all concerns and promised to provide more information, yet came back to the supervisors looking for direction, adding many hours and resources have gone into the effort.
County Administrator Richard Egan then proposed that staff engage in negotiations with the city of Susanville for the 139 site, which received unanimous board approval. Last evening, as suggested by councilmember Kevin Stafford, the city council will bring to the council’s April 5th meeting a discussion to approve City Administrator Dan Newton to begin talks with the county on working together on preliminary discussions regarding the property.
