Buyers interested in transforming The Pointe into a transitional housing project

Doug and Nan Pomeroy from Plymouth appeared before the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety on Monday evening to discuss The Pointe Apartments at 903 Gibson Street.  They are working with the owner and hope to purchase the structure, make the necessary improvements and repairs, and create a transitional housing program in it.

The Pomeroys started Sheppard Beginning Ministry last year, are leaders of Celebrate Recovery at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, and are Associate Chaplains at the Marshall County Jail.

They have put in an offer for The Pointe, and it has been accepted with contingencies. 

The Pomeroys are aware of the existing problems with the building and presented members of the Board with a copy of the proposed building upgrade and safety plan. They have already lined up a professional fire and safety company to complete a full inspection of the sprinkler and alarm system.  They will also make sure it meets state and local codes.  A commercial building inspector has also been contracted to conduct a complete inspection of the entire building once the city postpones or delays the demolition order.    

Councilman Duane Culp asked what their plan was for the property. He was told it would be turned into a transitional house for people getting out of jail or prison.  The program will help them find a job, get transportation, and put their lives back in order.  To be accepted into the program, participants must be willing to be drug tested randomly and follow a number of guidelines. 

Building Inspector Dennis Manuwal said the property has lost its grandfather's clause, so the Pomeroys will have to apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance to allow this type of housing. Councilman Dave Morrow warned that there will be some neighbors opposed to their plan to seek a variance. 

City Attorney Jeff Houin told board members there are liens on the property that the seller will have to resolve before the transfer of property.  The Indiana Attorney General also has a judgment of just over $300,000, so a negotiated settlement will have to happen with the state, and these are part of the contingency.

Mayor Listenberger said, “I’m all about repurposing buildings, and I think this is a building that could be repurposed.  In my opinion, after several meetings with the Pomeroys and understanding their plan, I’m confident in their ability to repurpose this building and run it effectively.” 

The attorney recommended a “stay” of the demolition order, meaning to pause to give the Pomeroys a chance to address the issues and close on the property. 

Manuwal recommended a one-month “stay,” giving the Pomeroys time to have inspections completed and a timeline created for the necessary improvements.  The Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved the one-month “stay.”