A new location in Shawano has apparently been found for a temporary placement facility for released felons, including convicted sex offenders, though the state Department of Corrections said Friday that nothing is official.
A DOC representative appeared before the city’s sexual predator ordinance committee on July 22 to report that Matt Talbot Recovery Services has found a location for a six-bed facility at 118 S. Union St.
In July of last year, the Shawano Plan Commission refused to allow a special exception to the zoning ordinance for a proposed eight-bed facility at 227 E. Richmond St.
Officials rejected the proposal because of its proximity to the New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St., which the DOC has also been using for temporary placement of recently released felons.
The Union Street facility, however, could go forward without city approval, according to City Administrator Brian Knapp.
Knapp said that as long as the facility is not within 2,000 feet of any other community-based residential facility, state statutes prevent the city from restricting its location.
“There are no conflicts with other facilities and no approval needed,” Knapp said. “It’s an allowable use by right.”
The DOC’s eight-year relationship with New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St., was thrown into flux last year when the DOC awarded a new contract to a different provider, ATTIC Correctional Services.
The contract called for ATTIC to provide transitional housing services for convicted felons that are under the DOC’s supervision, including recently released sex offenders. The contract was rescinded in September after ATTIC was unable to secure a site to replace the one rejected by the plan commission.
The DOC has continued to use the New Era House, even though its contract with the state expired in August of last year.
The DOC has “pay as you go” options that can be used for living arrangements that are not contracted.
DOC Director of Public Affairs Joy Staab said Friday that the Union Street location is not official and there is still no signed contract with Talbot Recovery Services.
However, she said, a formal announcement was expected within the next two weeks.
“We’re in the final steps,” she said.
Milwaukee-based Matt Talbot Recovery Services has contracts with the DOC for transitional living programs in Stevens Point, West Bend, Milwaukee, Waukesha and Superior, according to its website.
The website states that residents of the facilities are supervised by trained staff and are provided with temporary housing, basic living skills, and structure in work and leisure time activities.
