The Stockton Record office in downtown Stockton could become a homeless shelter.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors when they meet Tuesday will discuss whether to pursue the purchase of the 120,000-square-foot building at 530 East Market Street.
In a letter attached to the agenda by Tom Patti to his fellow supervisors, Patti notes the need for a comprehensive transitional facility in San Joaquin County for the homeless.
“San Joaquin County currently experiences a large population of individuals living unsheltered and homeless along our highway system, our waterways, and throughout our cities,” Patti notes in his letter. “This population is creating a public safety and public health concern as many individuals are using our public areas as living spaces, restrooms, and waste disposal. The purchase of this building, once repurposed, will provide a homeless shelter/center for the county’s underserved population.”
Patti would like the supervisors to direct the county’s Director of General Services to provide a viability report including an option of going into escrow closing no sooner than 90 days for a period to conduct thorough and necessary due diligence.
The office structure was built in 1975, according to a listing on LoopNet.
Since the start of the pandemic the newspaper’s editorial and advertising has been working out of their homes.
The newspaper office is just north of the Crosstown Freeway (Highway 4). On the south side of the freeway nearby are three existing homeless shelters — Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, Stockton Men’s Shelter, and New Hope Family Shelter.
Patti has been trying to find a location that would work as a homeless navigation center. His previous efforts included trying to secure a former school in the rural area west of Stockton. Neighboring property owners objected while those who work with the homeless had concerns that it wouldn’t be effective due to its location.
Patti represents Manteca north of Yosemite Avenue, Lathrop, and parts of west Stockton on the Board of Supervisors.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
