FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The Fort Wayne City Council has given the green light to a new location for the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission on a 7-1 vote.
The proposed facility by the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission is a $17.5 million, 85-thousand square foot building, which would be located on East Washington Boulevard.
The next hurdle is a October 20 hearing with the Board of Zoning Appeals.
“We are looking forward to a lively discussion and getting approved at that level,” Richard Cummins, VP of Operations for the Rescue Mission, said. “Once that’s done we’ll be able to completely consummate the purchase of this property.”
He said the project could be completed by January 2019.
The current men’s shelter on Superior Street is beyond capacity with virtually all space utilized, Cummins said.
The proposed East Washington Boulevard site is bounded by Lafayette and Clay Streets and promises to freshen up a worn-down downtown parking garage. Cummins adds it will “brighten” eastern downtown and “bring dignity to the homeless and those in need.”
The location has received mixed responses. Those opposing the move said it won’t have a positive impact on the neighborhood. Some residents said the shelter would encourage more homeless people to congregate downtown.
Others are concerned that the new location, which is across the street from a liquor store, might not be the best idea.
