Jeffersonville homeless center proposal rejected Group wants to convert old video store in downtown

JEFFERSONVILLE — Jeffersonville’s Plan Commission rejected a zoning change Tuesday night that would have allowed the old J & J Video building, long vacant on Michigan Avenue, to be used as a community center for area homeless.

Jesus Cares at Exit 0, a group that works with homeless people living beneath Interstate 65, had requested to change the zoning of the building from highway commercial to downtown/old city commercial. The community center would have given homeless people a place to do laundry, shower and use computers. Business owners and neighbors, however, spoke against the proposal because of the element it would encourage.

The board voted 4-2 against the zoning change. Board members Josh Rodriquez, Andy Crouch, Connie Sellers and Brent Roberts all voted to give it an unfavorable  recommendation. Board Members Zach Payne and Amy Adams dissented; member Rita Fleming abstained, noting her own commercial interests in the downtown area.

The Jeffersonville City Council, of which Payne and Sellers are a part, will get the final say in the matter during it’s next meeting, 7 p.m. Monday. Additionally, Jesus Cares can reapply for a different zoning change that would allow the center to open.

Tuesday’s discussion took place in a packed room, where those on both sides of the issue spoke.

Homeless people living out on the street don’t have a place to do their laundry or take a shower, said Paul Strensrud, founder of Jesus Cares.

“What we’re looking to do is like a one stop shop,” he said. “We’re mentoring these guys. This program has been very successful in getting these guys off the street.”

“[Strensrud] has done a lot for people out here,” said Bobby Asher, a homeless man that spoke at the meeting. “I hope you all will zone it right.”

Jim Moon, pastor at Park Memorial United Methodist Church, urged the board to make the change as well.

“This is the right direction for our city to go,” he said.

Many neighbors weren’t on board with the proposal.

“We will be victims of increased public nuisance, panhandling and trespassing,” said Mary Jo Carrico, a Market Street resident, “which goes against the basic provisions of zoning for the area.”

Further, she said it would stifle economic development and attract a criminal element to the area.

“There’s a difference between ministering and enabling,” she said.

Rose Hill Neighborhood Association President Kate Miller said since purchasing her home downtown she’s had homeless people sleep on her porch and even break into her house.

The J & J building is in the business district, she said, “it should not be a day shelter for homeless men and women.”

Mike Smith, councilman for downtown, also spoke against the proposal.

“This is a big issue but I would like to see it turned down,” he said.

Board members offered differing reasons to turn it down.

Rodriquez didn’t believe the use fit downtown.

“It’s not responsible development or growth for the downtown area,” he said.

Crouch, on the other hand, said he only voted against it because the zoning change they were requesting didn’t apply. Instead of requesting a change to downtown/old city commercial they should have requested to change it to institutional zoning. Strensrud said he didn’t request that because he was told by city staff to ask for downtown commercial. If the council rejects it Monday, he said he would likely re-apply and request institutional zoning. That means the matter could go back before the same board in the coming months.