Property Owners Fight Shelter

Dozens of property owners are fighting the city's proposal to build a new homeless shelter at the intersection of I-244 and Yale.  The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports the building will be the largest shelter in Tulsa.

It will also be the most expensive to build.  The Tulsa City Council on Thursday night said they're going ahead with their original plans.  But, many homeowners spoke up, saying they don't want it to go in their backyard.

Jon Brook has run an auto repair shop at I-244 and Yale for 40 years.  And, an empty lot across the street from his business is stirring up quite a controversy.

"They don't have a job. They gonna hang out in front of QuikTrip and bum money? Go aggravate Scott and B and F Muffler? Hang out at the sonic? What do 76 people do that don't have to work for a living?" said Jon Brook.

The Tulsa Housing Authority plans to turn the lot into a multi-million dollar homeless shelter.

"What are they going to do? They going to hang out at my place because they have nothing else to do?" said Jon Brook.

THA wants to build more than 70 apartment units here.  The Tulsa City Council says fair-housing laws prevent the city from stopping construction.

"There is no issue with the zoning and the land on this site," said Tulsa City Councilor Eric Gomez.

Judith Hudson says there's more to think about than zoning rights.

"There is a lot of business that's moved out. So, why deteriorate the neighborhood?" said homeowner Judith Hudson.

"All these people, some of them are veterans, some of them are older, they are entitled to a place to live," said one.

But, others say low-income people also have a right to housing.

"It will help benefit the revitalization of Tulsa's downtown by providing affordable housing for those residents that will be otherwise displaced," said another woman.

Brook says he's worried about his safety.

"They're going to be doing something. Every day. Every night. So, if you didn't have to work for a living, wouldn't you get bored sitting in your room?" said Jon Brook.

He knows the shelter will go up. That debate has ended.   But, the debate over its impact has only just begun.

The low-income housing building is being built as a replacement for the downtown YMCA which will close its doors for good in 16 months.

The Housing Authority will oversee the construction and management of the shelter.