Community Divided Over Controversial Homeless Shelter Proposal

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the proposed conversion of the Fairbridge Inn into a low-barrier shelter by DuPage Pads, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing homelessness. Proponents of the project emphasized the urgency of the need for a dedicated shelter, highlighting that renovations could begin immediately if the special use permit is approved, with an anticipated opening in spring or summer.

Supporters argued that the shelter would operate differently from the current hotel setup, noting a longer residency period of 90 days compared to the hotel’s 28-day limit, a known population of residents, and significantly increased staffing levels. They asserted that the shelter's screening processes, which include background checks and assessments for appropriateness, would enhance safety and reduce crime associated with the current hotel operations.

However, opposition to the project was vocal, with community spokesperson Jori Stukwish presenting concerns about the shelter's location in an economically distressed area. Critics argued that the shelter would exacerbate existing issues, citing an increase in crime during the hotel’s use as an emergency shelter since the pandemic began. They expressed fears that the shelter would attract a higher concentration of unhoused individuals from across Lake County, straining local resources and potentially endangering public safety.

The opposition also raised questions about the shelter's ability to manage residents once they leave the property, emphasizing that DuPage Pads would have limited control over their actions outside the facility. They urged the village board to reject the request for a text amendment and uphold the previous decision made by the Planning and Zoning Board, which had voted against the proposal.

As the meeting concluded, the board was left to weigh the contrasting perspectives on the shelter's potential impact on the community, with significant implications for local residents and the broader issue of homelessness in the region.