At a recent Auburn Planning Board meeting, a proposal to construct a new 7,500-square-foot, 80-bed homeless shelter received a mix of support and skepticism.
The planned project, spearheaded by Syracuse-based Rescue Mission, aims to replace the existing 16-bed facility at 290-292 Grant Avenue.
The Citizen reports that advocates for the project emphasized the shelter’s capabilities, including support services for the homeless, around-the-clock security, and its alignment with Cayuga County’s commitment of $1 million towards the construction.
The proposal aligns with the county’s growing need for shelter space, county officials added. They pointed to the rising numbers of adults and children requiring shelter, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the current capacity is insufficient.
However, the meeting also surfaced concerns from local residents, which included public safety and location of the proposed facility.
No action was taken and a public hearing is scheduled for January 2.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].