Tyler Preston, a nearby business owner to the proposed drop-in center property shares his concerns regarding the move during Wednesday afternoon's hearing.(Photo by Gwen Sour)

The Marietta Planning Commission approved a request from the Washington County Homeless Project to relocate its daytime drop-in center, following a public hearing that drew extensive public comment for and against the proposal.

The commission voted to grant a special use permit allowing the center to move from 274 Front St. to 315 Third St., with the condition that the organization follow its submitted operations plan or risk revocation.

Executive Director Susan Arnold said the decision marks a significant milestone.

“I feel really, really good,” Arnold said. “It’s quite an accomplishment, and I don’t think people realize what a big accomplishment this is for our project.”

During the hearing, Arnold said the move would allow the organization to expand services while maintaining daytime-only operations.

“This will allow more assistance with preparing applications for housing, better access to counselors, better ability to help with things like obtaining birth certificates, employment application, housing applications,” she said.

Arnold said the new space will significantly increase the organization’s capacity.

“Right now I can only schedule one client and one counselor,” she said. “At the new place I might be able to do 10 sessions a day, so everything can move a little quickly . . . we’ll have a shorter turnaround.”

The facility will also include more storage and expanded amenities.

“We have a clothing closet right now. It’s very, very small,” Arnold said. “At our new facility, we’re going to have three-times the space.”

Throughout the hearing, several residents and volunteers emphasized the importance of services provided by the drop-in center.

Bob Myers of Marietta described witnessing the organization’s impact after a person came to his door asking for help. He took her to the day shelter.

“What these people do is amazing,” Myers said. “There were people eating full meals, washing their clothes . . . they got (her) . . . into treatment immediately.”

Others emphasized compassion and accessibility.

“Downtown is really, really important to these people,” said Susan Berry, of Marietta. “Most don’t have cars. Have some compassion. These people are not scary.”

Opponents, including some nearby business and property owners, raised concerns about the location, citing potential impacts on property values, business activity and safety. Attorney and property owner Ethan Vessels said the proposed use would change the character of the area.

“When we, as property owners and business owners, buy property downtown, we are relying on the city keeping the essential zoning the same,” Vessels said. “The proposed drop-in shelter . . . will attract homeless people to 315 Third St. and change the essential character of the downtown.”

Tyler Preston, who owns a business next to the proposed site, said he supports helping those in need but questioned whether the location is appropriate.

“We understand people need help . . . what we’re specifically saying is the location needs to change,” Preston said, adding that even with strong intentions, business owners are left considering “what could happen?” outside of operating hours.

During the meeting, Marietta Development Director Geoff Schenkel provided context on how the proposed location and operations were selected, citing work done by the city following legislation passed in 2024.

Schenkel said the effort focused on replicating conditions that proved successful when the drop-in center operated out of the First Congregational Church.

“What worked really well at the First Congregational Church was that it has a front yard . . . and it had a fenced-in yard,” Schenkel said, noting those features helped reduce conflicts with nearby businesses. “Commercial buildings typically open up from the front door right onto the sidewalk . . . they don’t typically have backyards.”

He said the Third Street property was chosen in part because it offers similar characteristics, including outdoor space and separation from neighboring commercial properties.

Schenkel also outlined a three-part approach to security and operations that had been successful in the past and is being adapted moving forward; outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness to set expectations for behavior before they enter the facility, on-site supervision to ensure rules are followed, and monitoring the surrounding area to address concerns about loitering.

Schenkel also said the city has worked with regional partners to establish a more formal outreach effort — the “HOT team,” including local health departments, law enforcement and behavioral health agencies.

He also noted the city is exploring expanded security patrols in the downtown C-4 district using federal Community Development Block Grant funding to address concerns beyond the immediate site.

“I think we are moving in the direction of replicating the conditions that worked well in year one,” Schenkel said, adding that while no plan can eliminate all risk, steps are being taken to improve oversight and coordination.

Commission members said concerns would be addressed through the organization’s operations plan, which is now part of the approval conditions. The commission approved the request 3-1 with William McElfresh voting against.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com