Norman Homeless Shelter Location Denied, Tensions Rise About Proposed Solutions

A plan to convert an abandoned building near Porter Avenue and Rich Street has been interrupted by the city's planning commission. On Thursday, the commission voted to deny the city's request to rezone the proposed site, which the city already owns.

Previously, News 9 interviewed a nearby business owner who had organized a petition against the development. Many of the critics voiced support for some kind of support for the city's unhoused population, but rejected the notion it should be so close to their homes or businesses.

"I think they should choose another location where they can monitor better and have better access," said Amanda Rife, who lives less than a block away from the site. "It'll turn into an eyesore. It will."

The city currently has a temporary homeless shelter along Gray Street. A new shelter would also still be a temporary fix to a systemic issue, according to one of the city's attorneys.

"I think everyone can agree that there is no perfect location for this use," said Anthony Purinton. "The alternative would be, is to not offer these services. And the direction from [the City] Council has been that is not an option. Especially in the wintertime."

Despite the opposition, Purinton said the city has worked with its current shelter operator to plan for what comes next.

But if a consensus is not reached, the operator warns it won't alleviate local residents of all their concerns.

"They'd be on the streets," said Danielle Reseck of Food & Shelter when asked about where else the unhoused population would be. "Because that's their only option. They'd be out there on the street."