Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homeless Shelter topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents voice safety, transparency concerns over proposed HERE shelter
Summary
Public commenters raised safety and transparency concerns about a potential HERE homeless shelter near Little Savannah, citing proximity to a 55 mph highway, limited transit, and distance from health services; HERE said it has about $24,000 toward a purchase and plans outreach before any site decision.
Residents and the Webster Board of Commissioners discussed a possible homeless shelter proposed by HERE during the March 5 meeting.
Vicki Todd, a community member, told the board that “the potential site was dangerously close to a highway with a 55 mph speed limit with no sidewalks and limited access to public transit,” and urged caution about siting a shelter without pedestrian safety measures. Melanie Joiner, an ETJ resident, raised similar concerns about the project’s local impacts and what she called HERE’s lack of transparency and opportunity for community input.
Tasha Youstin submitted a written comment noting research that suggests shelters can reduce crime only in places that already have an identifiable homeless population; she wrote that “Webster currently does not have a homeless population, and also doesn’t have a police department.” Mayor Tracy Rodes said written comments will be filed with the meeting minutes.
Rodes told the board HERE requested $500,000 from the Jackson County Commissioners in December 2024 and that HERE has about $24,000 available toward a purchase. According to Mayor Rodes, HERE’s Greta Worley said the organization plans community outreach before any purchase decision and is not ready to acquire property without further planning.
The board did not take formal action on the proposal. Mayor Rodes said she has reached out to county officials and HERE and that the town will consider public input and next steps if HERE identifies a specific site; Letters submitted by residents will be included in the official record. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2025.
