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Neighbors urge caution on repurposing old fire station for homeless services, citing saturation in Near North Side
Summary
Residents and neighborhood leaders told the council that repurposing the former Fire Station No. 4 at 9th and University as a homeless-services facility risks further saturating the Near North Side with high-intensity services. Speakers asked for more analysis and neighborhood engagement before deciding a location.
A string of public-comment speakers at the Jan. 12 Des Moines City Council meeting urged caution about converting the former Fire Station No. 4 (9th and University) into a facility to serve people experiencing homelessness.
Peter Clay, a local resident, said the city must assess whether the location is the right place for another service site. "Adding yet another such facility in the same area will add more challenges to neighborhoods already struggling to improve community safety and vitality," he said, arguing that concentration of services can perpetuate historic inequities.
Multiple speakers representing neighborhood groups and coalitions — including Laurel Clinton, Viola Barrett and Margaret Wright — said the Near North Side already hosts many support programs and facilities. Wright, president of the King Irving Neighborhood Association, provided a map showing crisis centers and said Polk County sobering-center data indicate many served are from outside the county, creating persistent local impacts.
Speakers asked for equitable distribution of services citywide and for the council to engage directly with property owners and neighborhood leaders on potential reuse plans. Some suggested alternative uses focused on economic development and cultural preservation, including reuse that would honor Center Street’s history and support small businesses.
Mayor Boesen acknowledged the concerns and highlighted ongoing regional coordination on homelessness and services, saying the city will continue working with Polk County and nonprofit partners on a regional approach. Council did not take a final vote on the fire-station repurposing at the meeting; the discussion remained in public comment and will require additional staff analysis and neighborhood outreach before any formal action.
Speakers also used public comment to highlight other priorities — such as climate-action implementation and corridor investments — underscoring a broadly engaged public on multiple local issues.
