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ATTACHMENT F omro city of 1NI11W rr `BRIGF Ir 1 D .. the city that works for you June 16,2011 Volunteers of America Minnesota Attn: Jim Bettendorf,Director of Housing Development&Management 7625 Metro Boulevard Minneapolis,MN 55439 RE: Proposed Residential Re-entry Center Dear Mr. Bettendorf: Thank you for meeting with myself and Grant Femelius on May 31st regarding Volunteers of America's (VOA) plans to purchase the property at 1820 Old Highway 8 NW and use the building for a 60-day re-entry program for inmates in the process of being released from prison. At that meeting, you provided some details about the program and the proposed use of the property,however staff was unsure whether the use was consistent with the MX, Mixed Use zoning district standards and more information was requested. As you are aware, a re-entry center or similar type (secure) correctional facility is not listed in the Zoning Code, as a specially permitted use. The main issue is whether the proposed facility is considered a similar institution to that of a clinic,hospital, sanitarium, convalescent home, rest home, nursing home, or orphanage as stated in Zoning Code Section 6-540(2)(E). Since our meeting on May 31st, staff has been analyzing the various land use characteristics of a clinic, hospital, sanitarium, convalescent home, rest home, nursing home, and orphanage in addition to the various characteristics of VOA's re-entry facility. City staff also sought input from you,which was provided in a letter dated June 10,2011. Based on the information you have provided, staff has concluded that the proposed use is not consistent with the MX,Mixed Use zoning district or the City's Comprehensive Plan. In fact, this request has prompted staff to re-evaluate whether some of the specially permitted uses are still appropriate in this district. This is an issue we plan to raise with the City Council in the near future. Thus, you are not eligible to apply for a Special Use Permit. Should you wish to pursue this matter further, you can appeal this decision before the City Council. You could also apply for a Zoning Code Amendment and/or Rezoning to expressly permit or specially permit a re-entry center. However, this would likely require an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan.