LAZARUS FOUNDATION NEWS
The Lazarus Board has been meeting with the managers of other similar facilities in the area, particularly with some large and successful residences operating in Madison. We hope to finalize the scope and format of the residential program soon.
The new lower level bathroom and shower area have been "roughed in" and inspected. The new laundry area is complete with a new water heater and piping.
Wediscussed the need for new rear porch windows as the existing are in pretty bad shape and are certainly not "insulating". Our architect will contact Marvin Windows for design and pricing.
We will be looking in to new gutters and downspouts in the rounded "Copper" style. These could be aluminum as were the existing), but should retain the "rounded 1930's" appearance.
The following items are prioritized:
A. Front porch steps - replacement is underway.
B. Finish lower level bathroom, including plumbing "trim" work.
C. Provide new kitchen counter and work/storage space.
D. New eaves troughs.
E. Finish front porch corner columns, lattice work and sub-base foundation.
F. Complete front building facade.
G. Provide new bedroom on first floor rear porch (including windows).
It is agreed that items "A" through "C" need to occur now in order for tenants to move in. We next need to complete items D & E. Item "F" will be completed as funding and/or supplies donations are available. Item "G" will be the first step in the interior upgrade process.
We are "On Hold" with landscaping work until the tree damaged recently in a storm is removed.
We will attempt to explain the impact of the City Council's action last year regarding the applicable zoning regulations for the type of housing that we plan to provide. The important thing to understand is that they have added requirements to permit the use of housing such as Lazarus House for boarding certain numbers of unrelated tenants. They DO NOT prohibit such use and do not stand in the way of accomplishing the Lazarus Foundation's intended ministry. Although we have reserved the right to appeal the newly imposed requirement for a conditional use permit, the decision to actually make an appeal is being held in abeyance. We also have the right, under the regulation as it stands, to apply for the new conditional use permit, which would allow us to operate to our full capacity. However, we have no plans, in the immediate future, to apply for a permit.
The current direction of the Board is to complete the essential remodeling necessary to provide for housing of up to five residents. This number of residents is within the rules for our current zoning without additional permits. Some of our advisors from similar organizations have suggested that this is actually an ideal number for effective group development and mutually supportive rehabilitation. We believe this approach will allow us to begin the intended ministry at a manageable level, in an acceptable timeframe, and provide a learning period during which to refine and adapt the housing program based on experience.
Look for the upcoming Lazarus Fund Drive. Give your heartfelt consideration to providing physical and/or financial support to the Lazarus Foundation. Keep the Foundation and it's ministry in your prayers. Continue to give support to the dedicated members who are laboring mightily to bring it to fruition.