FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — Mayor Sharon Tucker is pushing back against a decision by the Fort Wayne Common Council to delay consideration of funding for a proposed homeless resource center, arguing that concerns raised by council members can be addressed sooner than the current September timeline.
In a memorandum sent to council members Tuesday, Tucker outlined a five-point response to issues raised before council voted 5-3 on June 9 to hold a request to appropriate and pledge funds for the acquisition of a building that could be used as a homeless resource center.
The administration has spent more than two years researching solutions to homelessness, according to Tucker. She noted that the city has already hired a homeless services manager, implemented a transient drop-off ordinance and explored the purchase and renovation of a building that could be operated by a nonprofit organization as a resource center.
Among the concerns raised by council members was a request for additional public input. Tucker said two previous opportunities for public comment have already been held and that roughly two-thirds of participants supported the proposed location and plan. However, the city will open a two-week question-and-answer period through its Engage Fort Wayne website and publish responses to all submitted questions.
Council also requested an independent review of potential sites. Tucker said the city has already examined 23 possible locations, including sites outside city limits, using criteria such as size, cost, proximity to residential neighborhoods, transit access and access to services. She is asking council members to submit additional site suggestions by June 23, and said a commercial real estate professional will be hired to review all options.
The mayor also addressed requests for a public operating plan, security plan and good-neighbor agreements. Tucker said the nonprofit expected to operate the facility, The Anchor Resource Center, has agreed to provide draft versions of those documents to council later this month and throughout the planning process.
Finally, Tucker said the lease agreement can include a three-year term and annual reporting requirements, addressing council concerns about long-term accountability.
While council voted to delay action until Sept. 1, Tucker said the administration believes all requested information can be compiled by late July or early August. She is asking council to discuss and vote on the funding request during its Aug. 11 meeting.
