Isabella Vanderheiden / Friday, June 5 @ 3:36 p.m. / Agendizer
The City of Eureka is Looking to Expand Emergency Shelter Options to a Vacant Lot on Second Street in Old Town
The proposed project site at 16 Second Street in Old Town Eureka. | Image via Google Street View.
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The City of Eureka is looking to purchase a vacant lot at Second and A streets in Old Town to expand emergency shelter options for the city’s unhoused community.
If the Eureka Planning Commission approves the land acquisition at next week’s meeting, the city will move forward with plans to develop and operate an emergency shelter facility with up to 40 units. The city is currently looking at prefabricated “sleeping modules,” each containing two single-occupant units, produced by Portland-based manufacturer LIT Homes.
The emergency shelter would also provide bathroom, laundry and meal prep facilities, as well as other supportive services for people experiencing housing insecurity.
A digital rendering of LIT Homes’ A-1000 Series, which include two sleeping units per module. | Image via City of Eureka.
Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery told the Outpost that the city has had its eye on the 0.46-acre lot for the last four or five years, back when it was slated to become a volatile cannabis manufacturing facility. For one reason or another, those plans fell through, and the property owner agreed to sell the lot to the city. However, the city wasn’t able to secure the grant funding needed for the purchase, so the Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation stepped in.
“We worked with Betty’s foundation to have them purchase the property, and then give us the right of first refusal to purchase it from them,” Slattery said, referring to a contractual agreement that gives a person or entity the right to be the first in line to buy an asset if the owner decides to sell. “We’ve been applying for grants ever since then … but we haven’t been successful. Then we started working with a couple of donors who were trying to donate to us, but one fell through. Now, we’re working with the second, and we’re hoping [the funding] is going to come through.”
The project site is highlighted in yellow. | Map: City of Eureka
The Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation bought the property for $300,000. Slattery said the city is expecting to pay that, plus roughly $70,000 in “accrued costs.”
To ensure the city can move quickly once funding is finalized, staff issued a consistency determination finding that the property acquisition conforms with the city’s 2040 General Plan and is in keeping with the city’s mission to end homelessness.
“The proposed acquisition would help implement the City’s adopted homelessness response and housing stability policies by creating an opportunity for future development of an emergency shelter facility with related supportive services,” the staff report states. “ … The property is appropriately designated and zoned for emergency shelter use, and the acquisition would allow the City to provide managed shelter and supportive services in an urbanized location near transit, services, and employment opportunities.”
Staff is recommending that the planning commission approve the land acquisition project, and send a report to the city council. Once funding is secured, the council will formally accept the donation and/or grant funds and set parameters for the shelter project.
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Keep scrolling for the rest of the board’s agenda and to read a Pokémon-style rendition of this item dreamed up by Gennie the AgendaBot. The Eureka Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. in Eureka City Hall – 531 K Street in Eureka.
Eureka Planning Commission
June 10, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL
B. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
DOCUMENTS:
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS - CONTINUED
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NEW
1. Stanton Five-Unit Vacation Rental Location: 1102 J Street; APN: 005-024-002 Project: Vacation Rental Minor Use Permit VRM-26-1
This report is about a proposal to operate five existing dwelling units as vacation rentals at 1102 J Street. The proposal includes renting out four one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit, with common areas available for guests’ use. The project has been deemed suitable for the site, compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, and not detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare. The proposal is also exempt from certain environmental assessments. The Planning Commission is recommended to approve the application with conditions.
— LoCOBot
Address to the Stanton Vacation Rental at 1102 J Street,
A project of minor use permit for all to greet.
Kathleen Stanton and Chris Morse, the applicants in hand,
Seek to operate all five units on their Highland land.
Located in the R3 zoning of High Density Residential,
The vacation rentals will bring joy to all who are residential.
No proprietor on-site, just guests to enjoy,
The beauty of the property, a true Highland ploy.
A resolution to adopt, finding the project exempt,
From the CEQA guidelines, a decision that is unkempt.
Operational standards and conditions to abide,
For the Stanton Vacation Rental to stand with pride.
No alterations, just existing dwelling units to explore,
With guest rooms for all to adore.
Operational information on occupancy and more,
To ensure the property is safe and secure.
The history of permits, a story to be told,
From incomplete applications to fire walls bold.
The Stanton Vacation Rental, a vision to behold,
With no detriment to public health, safety, or welfare to unfold.
Properly located and adequately served,
The Stanton Vacation Rental will be preserved.
A fitting addition to the Highland land,
A project approved with a Highlander’s hand.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - Resolution 2026-XX • Attachment 2 - Applicant Submitted Material
G. OLD BUSINESS
H. NEW BUSINESS
The City of Eureka is planning to acquire a vacant property on 2nd Street to build an emergency shelter with 40 sleeping units for homeless individuals. The property has a history of fuel tank removal and previous development proposals. The acquisition aligns with the city’s goals of addressing homelessness and providing stable housing. The project is exempt from further environmental review and is in line with the city’s general plan policies.
— LoCOBot
As the Planning Commission discussed the acquisition of the 2nd Street property, a wild Alakazam suddenly appeared on the scene. Alakazam, known for its incredible psychic powers, was determined to challenge the members of the Commission to a Pokemon duel.
The Commission members were taken aback but decided to accept the challenge. One of the members, a skilled Pokemon Trainer, sent out their Machamp to battle against Alakazam.
The battle began with Alakazam using its psychic abilities to create illusions and confusion in Machamp’s mind. Machamp, however, remained focused and used its strong muscles to launch powerful punches at Alakazam.
The duel between the two powerful Pokemon continued, with Alakazam teleporting around the battlefield and Machamp trying to predict its movements. The Commission members watched in awe as the two Pokemon clashed in an intense battle of wits and strength.
In the end, Machamp emerged victorious, defeating Alakazam with a final, decisive blow. The Planning Commission members cheered for their Pokemon as they celebrated their hard-earned victory.
With the duel over, the Commission returned to their discussion on the 2nd Street acquisition, feeling even more united and determined to support the City of Eureka’s efforts to address homelessness and provide shelter for those in need. And as they continued their work, they couldn’t help but remember the unexpected Pokemon battle that had brought them closer together as a team.
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment 1 - Resolution • Attachment 2 - Product Manual
I. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
J. OTHER REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
K. ADJOURNMENT
L. NOTICES
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