The location of the former armory building seemed to be ideal for a homeless shelter, and many residents supported the movement to convert the location into a shelter. For example, resident Susan McGarry said at last week's meeting that the location, size and space of the armory are more than adequate for a homeless shelter.
Moreover, the armory building is located in central Ann Arbor. This location would have proved easy to find, therefore providing a close haven for the homeless. The armory is also vacant and ready to convert into a homeless shelter - it would have been a better solution than finding an empty lot on which to build or further renovating other existing buildings.
Moreover, the current homeless shelters are crowded and incapable of serving the needs of the city's homeless population. The foundation of a new homeless shelter would have helped to get much of the population off the streets and out of the cold. And the city still would have received payment from the sale of the building.
As the former armory becomes transformed into apartments, Ann Arbor's homeless population will continue to need a new shelter. Several vacant buildings and empty lots could serve as ideal locations for a new shelter. The council should turn its attention to finding a new location immediately. Council member Jean Carlberg (D-3rd Ward) indicated at last week's meeting that the council will work on the issue. Her comments are reassuring, but must be acted upon soon.
Residential space would normally be a noncontroversial use of a building. But in this case, the city dropped the ball on a chance to improve the lives of citizens not in the middle class. With that decision under their belts, City Council members must now turn their focus to providing shelter for the area's homeless population.