Update:
City officials suspended the project after a wave of negative reactions on Tuesday.
It is unclear whether the project will ever start.
The city can still choose to proceed with the shelter project if the owner agrees to delay the process.
Residents indicated that they want something that will stimulate the economy and create jobs in that area.
Previous story:
The city of Orlando said Monday it is considering purchasing two adjacent properties in the Westfield neighborhood to build a new homeless shelter.
The city said it has the option to purchase the properties on West Washington Street between North Texas and Coburn Avenues for a new open access shelter that would be open 24/7 and house up to 250 people.
The facility would also offer other services, such as access to employment and support for substance abuse and mental health issues.
The city has indicated that a short-term lease will be entered into with the option to purchase the property on or before September 2025.
Read: City of Orlando and Orange County eye possible joint location for homeless shelter
“The goal is to complete this work sooner, with anticipated acquisition in spring 2025,” the city said on its website.
One of the properties, which cost $6 million, was said to house a private charter school that recently closed and is thus nearly “move-in ready.”
The city indicated that adding a commercial kitchen, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and furniture would cost another $2 million.
An adjacent parking lot would be available for $1.5 million, bringing the potential total price to $7.5 million.
Read: Local province holds meeting for homeless shelter
The city said it wants public input before purchasing the properties.
The first public meeting will be held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center at 710 S. Tampa Ave.
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