Dakota County commissioners halt plan to build homeless shelter in former hotel

(Eagan, Minnesota) -- Plans for a homeless shelter in Eagan are being moved to the back burner for now.  

Dakota County commissioners decided on Tuesday to not move forward with a plan that would have seen the county ask for a $10 million dollar federal grant to open a homeless shelter in the area. Commissioners had eyed the Norwood Inn and Suites Hotel in Eagan as the spot that could be converted to a shelter. Many residents came to Tuesday's meeting and spoke out against the plan, saying more homeless in the area would only cause more concerns regarding safety and crime.

In the end, the Dakota County Commission decided against moving forward with the plan, citing a rushed timeline to compete for the federal grant. Commissioners say they will continue to find housing solutions for the homeless population despite the decision.