ST. PAUL, Min. – Drugs and crime have plagued a supportive housing facility in St. Paul. Now neighbors are urging the City Council not to approve a similar building near two schools.
Ann and Thom O’Keefe have closely followed events at Kimball Court, a supportive housing facility for people who have been homeless or have a substance abuse disorder.
An October police report noted ongoing, open drug use and called the building “a direct hub for distribution” [of fentanyl] in the area.”
Kimball Court isn’t in O’Keefes’ East Side neighborhood, but the nonprofit that runs it, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, is planning a new location around the corner.
“I haven’t slept comfortably since this happened,” Thom O’Keefe said. “I’m nervous all the time. I think about it all the time.”
Beacon is proposing a four-story, 53-unit affordable apartment complex called the Aragon.
The permit they are applying for requires at least 16 residents to receive supportive housing similar to Kimball Court.
The property is close to two primary schools and dozens of neighbors who oppose the project have signed a petition expressing their concerns.
They worry about them and the people who would live in Aragon.
“It doesn’t make sense to have families in the same facility, running down the same hallways, with people who have a potential drug addiction,” Ann O’Keefe said.
Jimmy Omar has operated nearby Jimmy’s Food Market for more than 30 years.
“It’s going to cause a problem for the business community and for the neighborhood,” he said.
The project also has many supporters, including the church across the street.
“There is a real need in St. Paul for more affordable housing and we as community members have an opportunity to work to meet that need in a meaningful and impactful way,” said Father John Mitchell of St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church in November city council meeting.
Beacon says the Aragon will be different from the problematic Kimball Court property.
A spokesperson said in a statement: “We strive to ensure that every Beacon home is safe, stable, well-maintained and that we are good neighbours. To ensure the safety of residents, The Aragon will have professional property management and service partners who specialize in working with local partners, including law enforcement agencies, to promote community safety.”
The City Council will hold a public hearing on Dec. 4 to approve the property’s rezoning.
David Schuman
