As I have said in the past, the best place for a homeless shelter would be downtown, close to detox and the jails. The county finally took the bull by horns and took the first step by buying the land on 3rd and Minnesota.
Bravo.
The Minnehaha County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to purchase property at 700 N. Minnesota Ave. and 314 W. Third St. and will seek architectural concepts on developing it as housing for the chronically homeless.
The purchase price is $252,000, and the deal will close Feb. 26. The commission approved spending $10,800 for concept designs and site development plans for either a 24-unit or 32-unit facility.
It’s too bad it took the county commission full of lame duck commissioners to get the ball rolling on this. Yes, several city councilors sit on the committee, but it is disappointing that our mayor didn’t help more with this. I guess we are too busy buying empty lots for parking and parks in the boondocks to worry about a public safety issue like the homeless.
I want to commend councilor Anderson for pushing for this site. Good job!