Veterans and victims of domestic violence both received help from the Redding City Council this week.
In the first case, former state Sen. Maurice Johannessen’s dream of an independent living complex and clinic for veterans is a step closer to reality following the council’s unanimous vote Tuesday to OK a forgivable loan of $28,700.
The loan is not in the form of cash. Instead, the city is waiving the $28,700 in fees associated with the general plan amendment, zoning ordinance amendment and use permit Johannessen needs for his project to proceed.
The loan will be forgiven if the 95-unit apartment complex, which would ultimately be a state project, is built within five years. The loan will be secured with a deed of trust on the property. The 103,000-square-foot clinic will be a federal project.
Johannessen, who served as secretary of the state Department of Veterans Affairs following his two terms in the Senate and has long been a veterans advocate, purchased a 16-acre parcel on Knighton Road across from the new Veterans Home.
The former city councilman and Shasta County supervisor envisions an independent senior living complex for veterans who would eventually move across the street to the Veterans Home when their health declined. He plans to donate the land to the respective agencies when the project is completed.
Johannessen thanked the council for its support and reiterated that he was not seeking a personal favor or special treatment. “I want to make sure everybody understands the city is dealing no different with me, just the same as they would everybody else. That’s the credo you work with and that is what veterans do,” Johannessen said.
City Manager Kurt Starman assured Johannessen he was not receiving special treatment, and the city would be happy to help others working on similar projects. “This is not a typical development but a community entity that will benefit the entire north state,” Starman said. The apartment complex and clinic “will be a tremendous job creator as well.”
“This is a fantastic project,” Mayor Rick Bosetti said, “and the $28,000 is a small part” of what Johannessen has put into it.
One SAFE Place
The council also voted 5-0 to authorize a low-interest loan of $300,000 to One SAFE Place to help the former Shasta Women’s Refuge with its new shelter for victims of domestic violence.
OSP recently purchased a two-story, 16,000-square-foot commercial building on Benton Drive and plans to combine its client services and shelter under one roof. Once the $5 million project is completed, the remodeled first floor will include client services, intake and a community room.
The second floor will be a shelter for domestic violence victims and their children. It will have 14 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, laundry facilities, a three-station kitchen, a large living and dining space, storage, and staff offices.
Once the project is completed, OSP’s shelter capacity will increase from 26 women and children to more than 60 women, men and children. Clients will have the ability to stay in the shelter for up to 90 days.
OSP is the only agency in Shasta County providing domestic violence and sexual abuse crisis. It averages 5,100 visits for service a year. “We know we’re working very hard and we’re making a difference. We need this building, we need this space and we can do a better job,” said Jean King, OSP’s executive director.
Jon Lewis is a freelance writer living in Redding. He has more than 30 years experience writing for newspapers and magazines. Contact him at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.
