Proposed homeless shelter in Racine stirs up controversy: "The wrong location for this area"

RACINE -- Just feet from a bar and next to a school, critics say a proposed homeless shelter in Racine is in the wrong location. Both side of this issue agree there is a need for the shelter, but they can't agree on where it should be placed.

"This was a tavern, had been a tavern for more than 100 years," said Warren Williams.

For the past month, Warren Williams and Holly Anderle have been working to transform an old building in Racine, into a homeless shelter.

"This is a marvelous old building we are so grateful to have received it," said Williams.

The building was donated to them in late March, so their organization, "Segway Racine," could fill a void in the community helping with temporary homelessness.

"We need something that can bridge the gap to take the people that the other programs and shelters in town aren't able to take," said Segway Racine Incorporated Vice President, Holly Anderle.

Not everyone is excited about the plan.

"I admire them for wanting to do something like this, but I think this is the wrong location for this area," said Racine Alderman Michael Shields.

The building is next to a bar and across the street from a school.

"I don't think it's appropriate to have the homeless next to a liquor store if they have any kind of problem, and then right across from an elementary school," said Shields.

Alderman Shields says the city should look at alternatives.

"If we want to improve the quality of life for our homeless, we need to really plan, bring the community together and build a place," said Shields.

Williams and Anderle say the need to help the homeless is urgent and are hoping differences can be worked out.

"We're really interested in listening to their concerns and we are very anxious to work with our new neighbors," said Anderle.

Anderle and Williams hope to have the shelter open by the time it gets cold. There is no telling if the opposition could impact those plans.