New Smyrna Beach considers modular homes aimed at addressing homelessness
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - Leaders in New Smyrna Beach said the homeless population has grown in the city. The city developed an idea for a homeless center that would include modular homes.
City Manager Khalid Resheidat said they hope using trailers would make the plan more cost-effective, and said the trailers could be sold off if the center didn’t work out.
"People have been coming to city commission meetings complaining about the homeless," said Resheidat. "The city commission felt like there’s a need that we have to address the issue."
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Though the concept and the location have not been approved, the city is eying a site off Industrial Park Avenue near Turnbull Bay Road. David Kulsa, who lives nearby, said it’s not an appropriate spot.
"There’s a play park right down the street here where there’s a dog park, and they’re putting in a new jungle gym set, and at the end of the street there’s a skate park," he said.
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Resheidat said the city understands neighbors’ concerns, adding they will get feedback from them before anything is decided.
New Smyrna Beach is considering shelters aimed at addressing homelessness.
"When we come in to discuss specific sites we will have a public meeting to hear the concerns from adjacent neighbors, adjacent neighborhoods, adjacent properties," he said.
Though there won’t be a vote on the shelter at Tuesday’s council meeting, residents tell FOX35 they plan to pack the building to speak out.
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