Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Erie County is planning to turn a former school - Buffalo Creek Academy on South Park Avenue - into a Code Blue shelter.
But Buffalo Ellicott District Council member Leah Halton-Pope is asking leaders to reconsider the location.
"I'm not opposed to a Code Blue shelter, and helping those experiencing homelessness. My concern is that the location is directly across the street from the Perry Homes and we have to consider the impact on existing residents," said Halton-Pope with WBEN on Wednesday.
The lawmaker said she was not consulted about it. She heard about it from residents.
Is this a "not in my backyard" situation?
"The Perry Homes are no longer call housing projects, it's not appropriate anymore. They've have been upgraded," Halton-Pope said. "They offer a safe and reliable place to live."
She noted that recently there has been some police activity in that area.
Halton-Pope says the bigger issue is that there was no community engagement on this.
Does Erie County need the city's permission? The short answer is no. Halton-Pope said community discussion should have been part of the process.
Asked where an appropriate place is for this shelter, she said she doesn't know but has asked for a community meeting to discuss alternative locations.
"I'm not opposed to a Code Blue shelter and helping those experiencing homelessness. My concern is the location is directly across the street from the Perry Homes"
"I'm not opposed to a Code Blue shelter and helping those experiencing homelessness. My concern is the location is directly across the street from the Perry Homes"
