Racine---Opponents of a proposal to establish a new homeless shelter are surfacing even though supporters have yet to fully lay out the plan in a public setting.
At this week's City Council meeting, Beverly Hicks, a past president of the Racine NAACP, came out against establishing the shelter in a donated building across the street from Julian Thomas Elementary. "I think we need to consider the kids that go to school in that area," she said. "And we also need to consider the homeless that'll be housed right next door to a tavern."
The building is located a few blocks from Racine's downtown area.
The proposed shelter wouldn't be as restrictive in its admission policies as is HALO, which operates the city's largest shelter. But the new shelter would not take in sex offenders.
Racine Pastor Holly Anderle is leading the push for the new place. She says she's disappointed that critics haven't waited for neighborhood meetings and city hall presentations before raising objections.
The location for the new shelter is backed by both the mayor and county executive.
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