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Aurora officials advance temporary warming-shelter plan amid strong downtown opposition
Summary
City staff presented an informational contract with Becoming Oswego to run a temporary warming shelter downtown this winter; business owners and local merchants told the finance committee they oppose a downtown location, citing safety and customer concerns. The shelter proposal and related city funding will be considered on the City Council agenda following more community outreach.
Aurora’s finance committee heard an informational presentation Oct. 30 on a proposed temporary warming shelter to operate this winter at 35 North Broadway under a contract with Becoming Oswego Church. Nicole Mullins, chief community services officer, said the contract would run Nov. 4, 2025, through May 31, 2026, for a not-to-exceed city contribution of $136,141 and that Becoming Oswego will work with Hesed House and AID to operate the site.
Why it matters: City staff said the shelter would provide an overnight option when existing community providers are full and could reduce emergency-room and ambulance use tied to cold-weather exposure. Several downtown business owners told the committee they were surprised by the proposed location and urged the city to find an alternative site outside the core retail district.
Becoming Oswego…
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