In December 1998 the City of Ukiah passed an ordinance adopting a bicycle and pedestrian master plan. Major recommendations in the plan include:
* The creation of a pedestrian/bicycle corridor along the Clay Street, Peach Street, Gibson Creek corridor through the NWP station redevelopment site.
The plan was enthusiastically endorsed by members of the city planning staff. Mike Jones and Steve Weinberg, consultants responsible for the proposal, were applauded for their creative approach. With passage of the ordinance, the city is now in a position to quality for grants from various funding sources to implement the plan. Mike Flad, assistant city manager, is responsible for managing the grant application process and coordinating activities of other city departments to fulfill goals outlined in the plan.
On June 18, 1999, Susan Roberts, Shelter Resource Coordinator, addressed members of the Emergency Shelter Committee (ESC), at its regular meeting at the Ukiah Community Center. Roberts has been hired to do the preliminary planning work necessary for establishing a winter shelter for the homeless in the Greater Ukiah area in 1999-2000. She invited the committee to give comments and suggestions about her hoped-for objectives.
The Board of Supervisors has allocated $7,000 to pay for Ms. Roberts' services. She will work under the general supervision of the Ford Street project.
Also being considered by the Board of Supervisors is whether to adopt a policy on homelessness and the funding level necessary to operate a winter shelter. It is anticipated that an allocation of $50,000 will be needed to ensure adequate facilities and staffing. Those wishing to attend meetings of the ESC should contact the Ukiah Community Center at 462-8879 for the date and time of the next meeting.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1999Homeless Shelter
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