There will be a warming shelter for those in need this winter in Galesburg.
Once again the shelter will be located at the Hawthorne Gym after a variance denial by Galesburg Aldermen on Monday prevented the shelter from being located at the Salvation Army.
Council unanimously approved an agreement with the Knox County Housing Authority for a $76,000 grant.
The warming shelter is funded by the City, KCHA will administer, hire staff, and receive the grant, while Salvation Army will oversee day-to-day operations and direction of staff.
Salvation Army’s location at 510 N. Kellogg was formerly a church and the change of use requires the installation of a sprinkler system according to Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta.
The Overall Code Review Commission unanimously denied the variance request.
Council could have overrode the commission’s recommendation, but the motion failed by a 2-2-3 vote, in which Members Bradley Hix, Larry Cox, and Jaclyn Smith-Esters abstained.
Hawthorne doesn’t have a sprinkler system either, but the city code says it’s not required.
Gugliotta says gymnasiums don’t need sprinkler systems unless they’re over 12,000 square feet, and Hawthorne Gym is roughly 8,000 sq. ft.
Alderwoman Smith-Esters, who also works for Salvation Army, says the organization is in the process of applying for grant funds to install a sprinkler system.
Gugliotta says the city has been working with the Salvation Army to convert the use of their building while complying with codes.
Smith-Esters says a particular benefit of Salvation Army over Hawthorne, is their ability to house a family.
The Salvation Army is also working on installing a shower and has more ability to prepare food than Hawthorne.
The winter warming shelter will be open 7 days a week from Dec. 12 through Mar. 31, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m