The city of Covington Community Development Director Richard Hart requested a clarification concerning the permit applications for overnight parking for homeless individuals at St. John the Baptist Church in Covington.

Following the publication of “Overnight parking for homeless in the works” in the April 7 edition of The Reporter, Hart has received many questions since the publication of the story.

The city has been sending anyone with inquiries about the topic the following letter:

“As of March 30, 2017, the city of Covington is aware that St. John the Baptist Church is considering establishing a temporary use for parking and overnight sleeping of homeless individuals in vehicles in their parking lot. Several city staff from the Community Development Department and Police Department have met with the church staff to explain city procedures for review and permitting of such homeless encampments in vehicles involving overnight parking on their site.

“The city is certainly aware that surrounding neighborhoods have concerns about such uses and desire to ensure that any such overnight parking use protects the public health and safety of neighboring residents.

“At this point in time St. John the Baptist has indicated that they are working with Catholic Community Services to engage in further research and planning prior to making any decision about how and when to proceed with a formal proposal and permit application to the city for review.

“Until St. John the Baptist notifies the city and formally submits a permit application for a temporary homeless encampment for sleeping in vehicles at their church site, the city can’t provide any comment on the scope or details of such a proposal. Thus, the city would refer any questions at this time to the church administration by calling the church at 253-630-0701.”

In the original article, Rose Kinsella, pastoral assistant for administration at the church, said they were in the process of getting permits, when in fact, they have only spoken to the city about the idea. No official paperwork has been filed with the city of Covington.

In an email sent on Tuesday, April 11, Kinsella said, “I believe what I said is that we are working with the city regarding permitting issues. The director is correct, we have not submitted an application for the permit.”