reStart reacts to Lenexa Planning Commission’s stance on new homeless center [Video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nonprofit reStart, Inc. was hoping for a different outcome at the Lenexa Planning Commission’s meeting Monday night, where commission members recommended the city deny a special use permit for a new homeless services center under reStart’s management.

“Definitely disappointed for sure,” said reStart CEO Stephanie Boyer.

The planning commission outlined four areas of concern regarding their decision.

“Staff applauds the work that Project 1020 and reStart do for the unhoused, and we understand the need to address homelessness in the county, but the impact of this one area is already realized and is too great at this location, in staff’s opinion,” a member of the commission said at the meeting.

The planning commission also noted the timeline of the project, police funding and inconsistency with the surrounding area — the La Quinta Inn near West 95th Street and Interstate 35 — as reasons for their recommendation.