SAULT STE. MARIE — & A proposal to open a temporary homeless shelter in Sault Ste. Marie is facing hesitation and concern from nearby residents.
The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Human Resource Authority is seeking a variance in a zoning ordinance to operate the four-person shelter. The building, located at 108 West 11th Ave., was formerly a church and is currently zoned residential.
Representatives from Community Action held an open house to inform the public about the proposal and answer questions. Many residents who attended expressed concern about potential decreases in property values, possible increases in crime, and the safety of children in the neighborhood.
Executive Director Joe Nolan said the organization wants to be transparent throughout the process.
“I found the input constructive and I found it important especially because it is their neighborhood and it’s quite alarming hearing that something is being developed that might bring risk to their area,” Nolan said. “They live here. It’s their family. It’s their children. Their grandchildren. It’s their community area. I am not trying to disrupt any of that.”
Nolan said Community Action provided temporary lodging for 130 homeless individuals over the past year.