Planning Commission Hits Pause on 40-Unit Housing Proposal After Public Pushback

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Planning Commission is hitting pause after getting backlash during a public hearing on a recommendation for Center City Housing’s request for a 40-unit permanent supportive apartment.

Center City Housing has entered into a purchase agreement with the Church of St. Anthony of Padua to buy a 1.68-acre parcel at 55 25th Avenue North, behind Walgreens. The project would require an amendment to the St. Anthony Catholic Church Planned Unit Development to allow construction of the three-story building.

The apartments would serve extremely low-income individuals who have experienced homelessness or who are living with mental health conditions, chemical dependency, or other disabilities. All 40 units would be studio apartments with full kitchens and bathrooms.

Dozens of residents filled the council chambers and 19, many from the neighborhood, spoke out against the project. One of those was Michelle Buehrer, Executive Director of Central Minnesota Montessori School. The school would be across the street from the complex and she told KNSI News they’ve already dealt with security issues and fears the proposed housing complex would make things worse. “The building is secure to a point. There are times when people have gotten into our building and we don’t know why. I just think adding a development like that creates more of an unsafe environment.”

She says as a result, more security cameras and other precautions have been added. Buehrer said she doesn’t believe the city knew about the school when the site was chosen. “I don’t think the city was made aware of the preschool being in the St. Anthony School building before they came to this location.”

Other speakers in opposition voiced concerns about traffic, the possible effect on property values, and anxiety over a possible increase in crime in the area. A couple of people pointed out that Avivo is building a homeless shelter a few blocks away and there is already a methadone clinic in the area.

Some also didn’t like that the facility would not require sobriety to live there. Almost all the speakers agreed that housing is a problem in St. Cloud but didn’t feel this was the best location for it.

The planning commission voted 6-1 to postpone until their May 12th meeting to give the city time to answer questions or concerns brought up by the speakers. Commissioner Charlie Hobbs was the only no vote. No matter what the planning commission decides, the item will move to the city council for a second public hearing and possible vote in June. The council has the final say.

This marks a second attempt by Center City Housing to build permanent supportive housing in St. Cloud. The organization received city council approval in June 2025 for a similar 40-unit complex at 1530 Northway Drive, on the site of the former St. Cloud Area Family YMCA. That project was scrapped in January 2026 after a state grant needed to fund the project fell through.

This project is also dependent on grant funding.

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