The Court of Appeals issued a split decision on LMM’s proposed use of our 4100 Franklin property for a Youth Drop-In Center. In short, the court’s decision affirms in part, reverses in part, and remands the matter to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings.
We do not see the court of appeals decision as ruling against LMM. Rather, the court determined that the question of whether a variance was properly granted should be remanded to the trial court for further consideration under an appropriate standard. We are currently reviewing the ruling with our legal counsel to fully understand its implications.
For nearly two years, working alongside LMM staff, A Place 4 Me has occupied LMM’s facility at 4100 Franklin serving youth and young adults. While the legal issues have been pending, the partners have not provided drop-in or residential services. The organizations have provided outreach, navigation, and case management services to more than 1,200 young people during this time at that location by appointment only, without incident.
LMM, A Place 4 Me and community partners have a shared mission to serve youth and young adults facing homelessness or housing instability and remain committed to the vital resource of a Youth Drop-In Center. Young people in our community deserve timely access to safe spaces, supportive services, and trusted relationships with the strongest possible system of care available, and this remains a priority. Therefore, LMM, A Place 4 Me and partners are actively pursuing an alternative solution, at the same time LMM will continue to explore legal options.
The legal and zoning questions surrounding a building should not cause us to lose sight of the young people at the center of this work, and every day without this resource is a missed opportunity to support youth experiencing homelessness. To the young people reading and watching, know that you are not alone. There is a community that supports you, welcomes you, believes in you, and will continue working to ensure you have a safe place to live and thrive.
