A proposal to turn a flat in Madison's Greenbush neighborhood into housing for homeless men brought mixed reactions from area residents Tuesday.
The proposal from Porchlight Inc., a local housing and services provider to the homeless, would place a dozen men in a three-story flat in the neighborhood between St. Mary's and Meriter hospitals on Madison's near west side.
Some residents in the area are concerned about safety issues and property value, while others see it as an opportunity to help their community. Porchlight has said sex offenders will not be placed in the house, but some are still worried about mental health and addiction related problems.
Steve Schooler, Executive Director of Porchlight, told the Capital Times that some of the residents may have addiction or mental health histories, but fear of relapses should not stop the proposal.
We deal with it,"" Schooler said. Schooler also noted residents could include veterans or people with post-traumatic stress disorder. ""Some will just be people who are unemployed.""
Ald. Julia Kerr, District 13, said she has heard from many constituents regarding the plan. ""There are people who are unequivocally in support, and there are some who are adamantly opposed to it,"" Kerr told The Capital Times.
Conflict over the proposal grew so strong that Kerr called a second meeting on the loan Porchlight will need to continue. Madison's Community Development Block Grant office will have to transfer an outstanding mortgage loan from a Henry Street property to the house on Vilas Avenue for the proposal to move forward.
The building, which would include shared living rooms and kitchens in each of the three units and single bedrooms, would provide permanent housing for some and transitional housing for up to two years for seven or eight other homeless men. A live-in manager would enforce rules such as cleaning, visiting hours and alcohol and drug use. The residents would also meet with social workers and work toward goals of finding employment or their own apartment.
Central District Capt. Mary Schauf said Porchlight has a good record with the Madison Police Department. In the past five years police have responded to a few calls along the lines of neighbor disputes or illegally parked cars, but nothing serious.
""Nothing jumps out at me as a concern,"" Schauf said.
The next neighborhood meeting will take place Wednesday, March 4, 6 p.m. at Trinity, 1123 Vilas Ave.
