During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the status of housing units managed by Catholic Charities and the ongoing challenges related to property management and sales. A council member expressed confusion over the occupancy rates of a facility where renovations were reportedly completed, questioning why not all available units were filled. It was noted that the process of moving individuals into housing occurs gradually, as approvals for housing vouchers are obtained.

The conversation shifted to the sale of the property located at 711 South Saint Paul, which has been vacant since Family Gateway vacated it in September. Council members raised concerns about the lack of urgency in conducting an appraisal and preparing for the sale, given the property had been unoccupied for several months. A motion was proposed to recommend the city proceed with selling the property, but some members cautioned against making decisions without first receiving a consultant's report on the property's potential.

Additionally, discussions included the potential sale of another property, referred to as the Hampton property. Some council members argued that the two properties should not be lumped together in discussions, as they have different histories and implications. The meeting highlighted a growing urgency to address homelessness and the need for effective use of city properties to support community needs.

Council members emphasized the importance of community input, noting that surveys indicated a lack of support for using certain properties for permanent supportive housing. Instead, they suggested exploring alternative uses that could benefit the community, such as housing for seniors and recreational spaces. The meeting concluded with a call for further deliberation on the properties in question, underscoring the complexities of managing city assets while addressing pressing housing issues.