Two Sites Being Considered for Development of County-Run Homeless Facilities

Discussions are underway in an effort to develop facilities that Chautauqua County can use to house the homeless as part of a transitional housing program. That from County Executive P.J. Wendel, who recently provided an update on the situation as a way to move away from depending on local hotels and motels to provide that shelter. Wendel says he and others are talking about a possible site at the southern end of the county...

P.J. Wendel: a location in Falconer

Carmelo Hernandez, the county's Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services and Social Services Commissioner, said during a recent meeting of the County Legislature's Human Services Committee that an unspecified location in the north county is also being considered. Wendel says he understands local motels' business models for when they have several rooms available, and New York State is willing to pay over $100 a night to house the homeless. However, he says those hotel operators need to keep their facilities clean and up to code...

P.J. Wendel: we would have more oversight

Wendel especially credited Hernandez for his work in trying to find a location the county could own and operate that would be less expensive than what the state is doing now. He also credited Fredonia Mayor Mike Ferguson for working with them on the situation.

Image from Chautauqua County Government