The City Council on Tuesday delayed action on Ordinance 45, which would have authorized the mayor or designee to negotiate and enter an agreement to purchase real property for expanded homeless support services in partnership with Clarksville Area Urban Ministries.

Chairman Streetman opened with a clarification that the proposal, as presented, contemplated a day shelter and emergency shelter capacity (not an automatic 24/7 residential shelter) and stressed that any larger facility would require further council approval and identified funding. Supporters described the proposal as consolidating warming shelters, case management and services to triage unhoused residents and connect them with housing resources.

Opponents — including downtown business owners and several council members — said they had received insufficient outreach and expressed concern about the chosen location’s proximity to downtown businesses and perceived safety and image impacts. Councilmember McLaughlin moved to postpone the ordinance to the March 5, 2026 regular session to allow more public meetings and outreach; the motion passed 8 yes, 4 no, 1 abstain. Councilman Lovato announced an abstention on the motion because he serves on the Urban Ministries board.

Chairman Streetman said additional meetings and outreach are scheduled (including a Jan. 15 meeting referenced during debate) and that the council will revisit the ordinance at the March session. He and other supporters urged continued dialogue and emphasized that the proposal aims to provide day services, showers, laundry and case management to help residents transition out of homelessness.

The postponement preserves council’s option to approve, amend or reject the purchase after additional public outreach and administrative follow‑up.