A special committee of the Wayland City Council may look into leasing the food pantry building to Christian Neighbors so the organization can make repairs and renovations.
Bill Howe, president of the agency, told the council there was a misunderstanding last month when the city turned down a perceived request to help with costs for repairs and maintenance. Howe said that isn’t what Christian Neighbors is asking.
The non-profit service agency, which uses the old house on Church Street, less than a block south of West Superior, cannot under the rules make any changes to the inside without city approval. Christian Neighbors is looking for a way to improve the site and eventually buy the house.
It doesn’t pay the city any rent, but it takes care of utilities.
Included in the renovation plans is narrowing the parking lot, which would make it more con-conforming.
Howe said he and the Christian Neighbors Board are worried that the city eventually might want to expand the parking lot adjacent to accommodate the fire department.
“We can’t do anything long term if we don’t don’t know whether we’ll even be here in five years,” Howe explained.
City officials indicated that is not the case and they would not have a problem with allowing the improvements as long as they continue ownership.
Councilman Rick Mathis said, “We have no intention of turning it (the food pantry site) into a parking lot.”
Mayor Tim Bala acknowledged the original intent was to expand parking there, but it no longer is the case.
Howe said Christian Neighbors has been providing its services here for 24 years. It distributed 19,000 pounds of food four years ago, but now provides more than 45,000 pounds annually, so the need is great.
A small committee of the City Council will work with the Christian Neighbors Board on a longer lease agreement.
