VIP, Allies Persuade City of Mesa to Transform Hotel into Emergency Transitional Housing

[Excerpt]

In a 4-3 vote Nov. 6, Mesa City Council approved a controversial plan to buy the Grand Hotel near Main Street and Power Road for emergency transitional housing for vulnerable populations....

A large contingent of people from the Valley Interfaith Project showed support by rising and standing in silence as a leader, Bethany Lambrecht, spoke in favor of the purchase....

Supporters were buoyant after the meeting and lingered to shake hands and exchange words.

Deputy City Manager Natalie Lewis told the Tribune the renovation work would begin early next year. 

She estimated the completed upgrades would take 18 to 24 months, but the work will be phased so the city can begin using parts of the facility for temporary housing before completion.

Mesa Council OKs Controversial Hotel PurchaseMesa Tribune