RULES COMMITTEE: 2/2/2022
ITEM: G.2
TO: RULES AND OPEN FROM: Mayor Sam Liccardo
GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Councilmember Raul Peralez
SUBJECT: Lighthouse Ministries DATE: January 24, 2022
Food Pantry
____________________________________________________________ Approved by: Date: 1/24/2022
____________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Direct the City Manager to:
1. Utilize the COVID-19 local state of emergency order to suspend land use regulations for food distribution uses similar to 309 N. 17th Street with specific parameters. This would remain in effect until such time as it is terminated or modified by the City Council, or the termination of the local state of emergency, whichever occurs first.
2. Explore waiving or identifying funding that could offset the permitting fees for a Special Use Permit (SUP) to allow for a Social Services use at 309 N. 17th Street (Lighthouse Ministries).
BACKGROUND
In early January, Lighthouse Ministries was served with a notice due to a code enforcement complaint informing them that an SUP was required for them to legally operate at their location, a process that can cost up to $15,000 in fees. It is not lost upon us the deep impact that Lighthouse has had on our community and how thousands of individuals rely on this food pantry to fulfill their basic needs. We understand how shell shocking our cost-recovery permit fees can be, especially to smaller local organizations like Lighthouse Ministries. Rather than allowing for this organization and their humanitarian efforts to be expelled from our community due to permit costs, we as a city should work towards helping to retain their presence - including reducing the fiscal barriers.
While we recognize that the pantry is filling a great need for many, the sheer volume of families served has raised many concerns among the local neighbors. Sidewalks have often been blocked, leaving no access for a pedestrian walkway, and double parking in front of the pantry has contributed to dangerous traffic conditions. It was these repeated
incidents that led to a complaint-initiated code enforcement inspection. Based on our conversations with Lighthouse Ministries, they have expressed that they are committed to working in partnership with the City and reevaluating their operations to ensure that these issues are resolved.
Lastly, we would like to thank Pastor Olmos and Lighthouse Ministries for providing a service that has been a lifeline to the community. Over the last three years, the brutal impact of COVID-19 has exacerbated food insecurity in San José. By providing fresh groceries at no cost, not only is Lighthouse Ministries closing this gap, but even beyond the pandemic, it will continue to remain a tremendous resource so that many of our families can remain nourished and healthy.