St. Cloud Planning Commission To Consider New Homeless Shelter

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Planning Commission will deliberate next Wednesday on a potential new homeless shelter in the city.

The request is by Avivo, a non-profit that has opened low-barrier shelters in other parts of the state, to lease a portion of city property located at 3100 1st Street South. One acre is unused.

Avivo wants to put up 50 units of emergency housing for at least 20 years, with the possibility of extending the arrangement in the future. The parcel was first bought by St. Cloud in 1967 and has served as a stormwater pond.

The land is in the heart of a commercial district. About a block from Division Street, it is located across 33rd Avenue South from Costco and Wal-Mart. It would be adjacent to a credit union. Just to the north is a car wash, barbershop and hair salons, and several restaurants.

City staff say they recommend the proposed lease. If the planning commission votes in favor of the project, it would still need to be approved by the city council after a public hearing.

___