MorningStar Seeks Daycare, 'Permanent Housing' At Smith Y

JOLIET, IL — Ten months after abandoning efforts to buy the Quality Inn Hotel on Larkin Avenue, MorningStar Mission now wants to offer day care programs and "permanent supportive housing" for at least 10 people at the former Smith YMCA at 1300 South Briggs St.

And, for the second year in a row, city of Joliet officials are urging the rejection of the MorningStar Mission's proposal. The proposal seeking to turn the former Smith YMCA property into a day-care center and a homeless shelter comes up for discussion at Thursday's 2 p.m. meeting of the city zoning board in City Council Chambers.

MorningStar Mission needs to obtain special use permits from the city of Joliet in order to move forward with its plans for the former Smith YMCA building.

"Based on the information provided, the administration does not believe the proposal to allow a day care center, after-school care center, summer day camp center and permanent supportive housing at the former YMCA facility located at 1350 S. Briggs Street for Morningstar Mission is the highest and best use for this facility and location," a city of Joliet memo indicates.

"In addition, the need to conduct criminal background checks, coordinated with the Joliet Police Department on each proposed occupant, would be burdensome on the Joliet Police Department and costly to the City of Joliet taxpayer."

According to city documents, MorningStar Mission Ministries now owns the former Smith YMCA, which closed in March 2021.

In addition to offering a day care, after-school care, and summer day camp services, "MorningStar also seeks to convert a portion of the facility, the former pool area, to accommodate 10 permanent supportive housing units," city of Joliet documents reflect.

Permanent supportive housing is defined as a one-to-two year housing option that offers access to supportive services as opposed to emergency shelter.

"The proposed daycare center will be in partnership with Catholic Charities Head Start program," Joliet officials were informed by MorningStar Mission. "The proposed after school and summer camp programs will be in partnership with the YMCA.

"MorningStar will be working with agencies like Catholic Charities Daybreak Center, Will County Center for Community Concerns and Trinity Services to house people in the 10 units of permanent supportive housing. MorningStar has indicated that proof of employment will be a requirement for living in one of the units. Case managers will facilitate supportive services for the ten residents."

MorningStar indicated that it operates an emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing for men, women and children at 350 E. Washington Street and 360-368 East Washington Street, as well as at a few off-site locations.

The Smith YMCA was open from 1978 until closing last March.

The building on Joliet's far east side has a large gymnasium, large swimming pool, handball courts, multipurpose rooms, locker rooms and bathrooms and office space. The facility sits on 26.5 acres that includes a paved parking lot with 100 parking spaces and recreational land to the rear, Joliet's zoning board was informed.

Related Patch coverage:

MorningStar Mission Abandons Quality Inn Project

Dorris, Hollister: Quality Inn Homeless Shelter Good For Joliet