MADISON — After nearly four hours of testimony and debate, the Dane County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of an 8,400-square-foot building on Martin Street in the Town of Madison, near the City of Madison’s southwest side, for use as a day shelter and resource center for the homeless by a vote of 26-9.
Supervisor Mary Kolar, sponsor of the proposal, called on Supervisors to support the purchase, saying, "Over two years of effort culminate with our approval of the purchase of 1490 Martin Street. There are obstacles, but we can work them out together. We will have a Day Resource Center in 2014 where those in need can get assistance with housing, employment, and health challenges."
The 2013 County budget included $600,000 for the purchase of a day center, but County staff could find no suitable downtown location for that price. The County nearly purchased a MARC Center property on Lien Road last fall, but the price was ultimately deemed too high.
Porchlight, Inc. currently operates its Hospitality House at the location. The County plans to purchase the property for $330,000 and undertake significant renovations, including the additions of showers, laundry facilities, and storage.
The property is more than two miles from the heart of downtown, prompting some to push for the Board to reject the purchase and continue searching for a downtown location. Many of the citizens who testified against the purchase noted that lack of transportation to and from the site will make it inaccessible.
The Board unanimously approved an amendment proposed by Supervisor Shelia Stubbs requiring neighborhood listening sessions during the renovation process, but rejected an amendment proposed by Supervisor Dorothy Krause that would force to County to re-open the process to find another site if the Martin Street site proves inadequate.
