(KNSI) – Two St. Cloud City Council members have asked for time at Monday night’s meeting to discuss a controversial homeless shelter.
Lincoln Center is a no-barrier facility, meaning anyone can stay there regardless of intoxication or other issues that may prevent them from getting into a traditional shelter. Since the facility opened in 2021, it’s been the source of disturbances and criminal activity for east side residents and businesses. The complaints include assaults, theft, public intoxication, sexual misconduct, and trespassing.
The shelter had obtained a permit to expand as long as several conditions were met, including improving the staff-to-tenant ratio and installing the proper sprinkler system in case of fire. Councilmember Mike Conway and Carol Lewis asked for the conversation to be held.
In other business for Monday night, the city council is also planning to set its Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for May 4th. This is the meeting where residents can contest the assessed value of their homes and, therefore, try to lower their property taxes. The valuations will be used to calculate 2023’s tax rate. Many St. Cloud residents had higher valuations in 2021, which led to a huge property tax increase in 2022. Many residents learned that the time to contest their taxes is in the spring before local governments begin to set their budgets.
St. Cloud is also preparing to take the next step in redeveloping the city hall site. The city is expected to approve bids to demolish the 1955 and 1975 portions of the former Tech High School. Removing the building’s sections is part of the city’s plan to turn a portion of the property into green space and leave land for redevelopment. The price is estimated between $2.7 and $2.8 million.
The city will also hold two public hearings. One is on the Copper Kitchen, getting a 3.2% liquor license for its new location off Highway 15 and its original spot on Highway 10. The other hearing is on a proposed road improvements and redevelopment project on West St. Germain Street between 10th and 12th Avenue. The project will include new decorative lighting, a bike lane, an underground sewer replacement, and a new road.
The city council meeting gets underway at 6:00 p.m.
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