(FARGO, ND) – Fargo City Commissioners have said no to the latest proposal to solve the homelessness problem in the city.
City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg brought forward a plan called Safe Fargo. It would have restricted unauthorized camping on city-owned property. It would also call for the removal of existing campsites and the dismantling of newly established campsites.
Monday’s vote was 3-2 to not approve the plan, with Turnberg and Commissioner Dave Piepkorn voting to begin the plan.
“This is a very thoughtful and thorough recommendation,” she said. “The city does not have an endless pot of money.”
Under Turnberg’s plan, the Fargo Civic Center would be repurposed into an emergency shelter to provide relief during the winter months with several operational guidelines, including no drugs or alcohol, a safety screening and cots. Pets would be allowed, as long as they are leashed or crated, with crates being provided if needed. Trained security staff would be on site around the clock, and the shelter would close on May 1.
Turnberg herself told commissioners that the location could have been changed.
“I am not completely sold on the Civic (Center),” she said.
Commissioner Denise Kolpack said that the city is working to find a solution. Mayor Tim Mahoney echoed that sentiment, and added that a plan is being worked on, and will be presented at the next commission meeting.
Chandler Esslinger, Executive Director of the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition to End Homelessness, is among those working on the new plan.
“Safety is our top priority,” Mahoney said.
