CARSON : Women’s Center to Offer Housing, Counseling

Carson’s first transitional housing center for women could open as soon as next month after the City Council approved a permit for the project Tuesday.

Located in a refurbished medical building in the 500 block of Carson Street, Charlotte’s House will offer housing, educational training and counseling for women and children.

Residents would typically come from battered-women’s or homeless shelters. But in contrast with shelters, Charlotte’s House would offer longer-term housing--up to two years in some cases.

The building has nine bedrooms, a lounge, a nursery, communal cooking and dining areas, four bathrooms, a laundry room and offices. Operators said the program would accommodate about 25 people.

Because it is in a primarily commercial area, city staff and the Planning Commission had recommended denying Charlotte’s House a conditional-use permit. The council, however, voted unanimously to grant owners Joe and Jan Bowman a permit with restrictions.

The home will only be allowed to operate at the Carson Street location for up to five years, and after three years the council will have the opportunity to reconsider the permit.

“This is the exception to what has been designated for the area,” said Mayor Michael I. Mitoma. “But I think the council feels good about the purpose” of it.