LORAIN, Ohio — News 5 is following through on a plan that's sparked backlash from some in Lorain.
It deals with a supportive housing project for people struggling with chronic homelessness, which, after a close vote Tuesday night, has officially been approved by Lorain City Council.
“This is truly a blessing that this passed,” said Lorain City Councilwoman JoAnne Moon.
We don’t just report the initial story—we follow through to its conclusion. Read and watch our previous reporting on this story below and see more stories that we've followed through on here.
On Tuesday evening, Lorain City Council voted six to five in support of a housing project for those experiencing homelessness.
Councilwoman JoAnne Moon told News 5 that she voted in favor of the legislation.
“It’s not so much about homeless,” said Moon. “We have a lot of mental issues going on in Lorain, so it’s going to be a good thing.”
Meanwhile, others like Mary Springowski say they’re upset with Tuesday evening's outcome.
“I am absolutely disgusted,” said Springowski. “They’re trying to put a facility on a site that is far too small for it, and it is right at the gateway of the city.”
News 5 first started following this story last June when the Lorain Planning Commission approved the development of a 62-unit apartment building with services for people struggling with chronic homelessness.
CHN Housing Partners and EDEN Incorporated planned to spearhead the project and fill an unused lot near Broadway Avenue and West 21st Street.
However, the idea came with mixed reactions, including concerns from people like Springowski.
“It is a very challenging neighborhood and they have just added to it,” Springowski said.
Springowski and Jayne Morales make it clear they’re not against the project coming to Lorain.
“We don’t want to kick the homeless to the curb. We just want a better location and maybe a better plan,” said Morales.
Joyce Early, who has been advocating in support of the project, told News 5 she believes this is the perfect location to help Lorain address the issue of homelessness.
“We have the highest number of low-income housing in our community, so we have to service those people,” said Early.
Due to previous feedback from the community, CHN has created a new agreement with the Lorain Police Department, which includes a permanent police substation on-site with officers staffed 28 hours weekly, in addition to a 24-hour front desk and after-hours security guards.
“We have to take care of these people. We brought them here. We have to do what’s right,” said Early.
