Mickaela Elich
Just last month the Boise Planning and Zoning Commission denied Interfaith’s permit to move to a new location on State Street, and now it’s faced with some challenges.
Interfaith’s emergency building that houses the current shelter was sold, and the money was used to purchase the new building on State Street.
“When we went to make an offer and we’re writing it up, there was two other offers that were behind ours and so a contingency offer wasn’t an option if we wanted to get that building,” said Jodi Peterson-Stigers, executive director at Interfaith Sanctuary.
In partnership with the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Interfaith put down approximately $2.5 million for the new location, but it can’t begin to move because of the Boise P&Z commission’s decision.
“It was really discouraging to see how much that had nothing to do with the conditions of a conditional use permit were being allowed into the testimony, but you could tell it was really having an impact and so I think we were all, as we sat through it, preparing to go to the next step,” Peterson-Stigers said.
Interfaith filed for an appeal to the Boise City Council in hopes to save their plan.
“There’s not other buildings waiting for us. There’s just not,” Peterson-Stigers said.
Peterson-Stigers said its current property is sold, the new owner has agreed to extend Interfaith’s lease as long as they go through the application process.
“He is supporting us for this application, this building and that’s already a really long timeline but he is standing in our favor and saying now we’ve got your back,” Peterson-Stigers said. “We’re not putting anyone out on the street while you’re going through this process. We’re here for you.”
Although the new owner is allowing them to use the current location, Peterson-Stigers said that won’t last forever.
“He will stay with us while we continue to work on this building but I don’t see him coming along for the ride for a whole other story,” Peterson-Stigers said.
Interfaith plans to present its case to the Boise City Council sometime in March or early April.
