Assured Self Storage in Plano, Texas, is among several businesses that oppose the building of a homeless shelter in the area.
Though the shelter hasn’t yet been approved by the city council, the self-storage operator claims it’s already having a negative impact. Laura Jones, facility manager, said a couple of tenants indicated they would move out of the storage facility if the shelter opens. Jones said the shelter would hurt her business and cause her to lose occupancy.
The proposed site for the homeless shelter is a 6-acre complex in East Plano, at the edge of the tech district. It would house 80 homeless families receiving job support and other aid. Several local business owners say the shelter could boost crime in the area and cause property values to decline. The area is currently home to several subdivisions, a gun range, and a beer and wine store.
The City Council is considering whether to spend $700,000 in federal grant money to buy land for the project, led by the Samaritan Inn of McKinney, Collin County's only homeless shelter. The land is owned by Temple Baptist Church of Allen, Texas. The shelter would cost $3.3 million to build over three to five years, and would be funded through donations.
Collin County, though very affluent, has a growing homeless population. More than 40 percent of Samaritan Inn’s residents are from Plano.
Opposition to the shelter began to flare last month. Opponents support the idea of a shelter but say it needs a different location.
Source: Dallas Morning News, Plano businesses oppose location of planned homeless shelter
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