Lenexa Faces Critical Decision on Proposed Homeless Shelter Amid Community Support and Skepticism

Lenexa’s Vital Opportunity: The Need for a Homeless Shelter

In the heart of Lenexa, a city bustling with energy and growth, a significant **discussion** is unfolding about the need for a homeless shelter. With increasing voices calling for action, a sense of urgency surrounds this topic as city officials and community advocates come together to address homelessness in Johnson County. Despite widespread agreement on the need for a shelter, the conversation often stumbles when the focus shifts from **abstract ideas** to concrete plans. Many residents are supportive of creating a safety net for their neighbors in crisis, but there is a hesitance when it comes to the location of such a facility.

Support and Skepticism

The truth is, the idea of having a homeless shelter is generally welcomed, as long as it’s not in their “backyards.” The reality of this situation creates a predictable pattern: everyone believes a shelter should be built, just not near them, leading to a frustrating cycle of inaction. Zoning officials often raise concerns about **density**, public safety, or what they call “community character”—vague terms that can prevent progress without any substantial evidence. Policymakers tend to respond with study groups and testimony gathering, but at the end of the day, they might do nothing productive.

Yet Lenexa has a new chance to break this cycle of indecision. ReStart, a charity dedicated to providing housing and related services for individuals in need, has stepped up with a proposal to open a **50-bed shelter**. This aligns perfectly with Johnson County’s previous requests for proposals and carries the hope of providing meaningful support for the community.

The Proposed Shelter: A Look at the Plans

Where will this shelter be located? Instead of placing it in a residential area, ReStart aims to convert and renovate the **La Quinta Inn**, a run-down hotel situated off Interstate 35 and 95th Street. This location is already zoned for a shelter and is adjacent to an industrial park and several businesses, making it a practical choice. Furthermore, an abandoned restaurant on the site can serve as storage space and future office accommodations for the shelter.

Despite this promising plan, city planners have controversially recommended denial of a special use permit at a public hearing held in August. The matter is now set to be considered by the City Council on September 17, where council members must weigh their decisions carefully.

A Cautionary Tale

To truly understand the implications of the council’s decision, it may be worth looking at the case of the **Catherine H. Barber Memorial Homeless Shelter** in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. In that instance, zoning officials tried to halt the shelter’s grand opening, despite its compliance with zoning regulations. The local Board of Adjustment ultimately ruled in favor of the shelter, but the city denied the conditional use permit due to subjective fears regarding traffic and safety. Instead of conceding defeat, the shelter took action, leading to a legal victory that affirmed its rights.

Lenexa finds itself in a similar situation, where city zoning officials are struggling with “neighborhood suitability”—a term used in many cities to falsely justify blocking essential services for those in need. The **Institute for Justice**, a public interest law firm, has highlighted the importance of standing up against such ambiguous reasoning, emphasizing that development regulations should not hinder essential social services without solid justification.

A Call for Action

As conversations continue about the proposed shelter, it’s essential to remember that its advocates assert that “the center will address a critical need in our community, improve public safety, and contribute to the overall well-being of our residents.” The points made by shelter advocates are critical and resonate with the community’s broader needs.

It’s time for Lenexa to embrace a truly magical word: **Yes**. By supporting the development of a homeless shelter, this city could set a **precedent for positive change**, showing that compassion and community spirit rise above fear and hesitation. The opportunity is at hand, and the choice lies in the hands of the City Council—will they choose to support their neighbors in need, or will they continue the frustrating cycle of inaction?