The Lexington City Council has approved a plan to consolidate two homeless service centers into one new site. The action is also expected to impact two civil suits and a federal investigation.
The plan calls for the Catholic Action Center on Fifth Street and the Community Inn on Winchester Road to close. Daytime and overnight services for the homeless will be established in a building on Industry Road. That government owned structure will be sold to the Catholic Action Center for $500,000.Martine and Jim Holzman operate a specialty pastry shop adjacent to the new shelter site. Martine expressed concern about locating the shelter near so many businesses. “What the impact will be for the area we’re not really sure, but it’s definitely a concern,” said Holzman.
The Holzmans say they have contributed pastries to area homeless and will continue to do so.
Among those speaking in favor of the move was resident Anita Franklin. “When I hear the different sides, the positive and the negative, I think about 'am I my brother’s keeper?'" said Franklin."Yes, I am. We are accountable and responsible for those that are less fortunate than we are.”
The agreement is also expected to result in the dismissal of two civil suits tied to zoning issues and a federal discrimination investigation.
