Facility Proposed For Residents In Need

Sonora, CA — A newly formed non-profit group is hoping to build a care facility and shelter off Tuolumne Road.

The project proponents are husband and wife, Hazel and Richard Mitchell. The project would be located in the Tuolumne Light Industrial Business Park on Eagle Ridge Drive, approximately 290 ft. south of Tuolumne Road. The Tuolumne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the project the evening of June 19th in the Board of Supervisors meeting room.

It would be built in four phases. First would be the construction of a 40 ft. by 100 ft. residential care facility, which would provide 42 beds for men. Eight would be reserved for military Veterans, and eight for people on SSI-Medicare. The sixteen beds would available year round. An additional 26 beds would be available for men seeking shelter during the winter months or extreme summer weather.

Phase two calls for the construction of a 40 ft. by 50 ft. thrift shop. It could be staffed by people living at the facility, and serve as a way to raise revenue for the operations.

Phase three is the construction of a 40 ft. by 100 ft. residential care facility for women. Two beds would be reserved for military Veterans and six for women on SSI-Medicare. The remaining 26 beds would only be available during severe weather times.

Phase four calls for the construction of a 40 ft. by 50 ft. vocational shop building, which would be used to help and train those staying at the facilities.

The operations would be managed by a board of directors, and the proponents say there would be at least one on-site manager available 24/7.

The Planning Commission will decide whether to issue a Conditional Use Permit for the project during the 6pm meeting on June 19th. It does not require approval of the Board of Supervisors. However, any community member could appeal the Planning Commission’s decision to the Supervisors for a vote.