The council’s primary agenda item was the controversial proposal to convert the Work Release Center into a homeless shelter, which drew significant public outcry. Several residents and business owners voiced their opposition, citing concerns over community safety and the potential increase in crime. Kyle Steel, a local homeowner and business owner, highlighted personal experiences with attempted home intrusions and encounters with individuals facing addiction and mental health issues. Steel and others argued that the shelter’s establishment would exacerbate existing problems such as littering and property crime in the SoDo neighborhood. Steel urged the council to delay the vote to allow for more public input.

Attorney Billy Wheeland criticized the council for its perceived lack of thorough research and impact assessments, noting the area’s existing challenges due to new residential developments. He suggested the decision to propose Kaye Street as the site for the shelter was rushed and possibly influenced by other community project priorities, such as local sports arena improvements. Concerns were also raised about the proximity of the proposed shelter to family neighborhoods and schools, which residents feared could compromise safety and negatively impact property values.

In response to the public comments, certain city council members acknowledged the community’s concerns while recognizing the need to address homelessness effectively. They discussed the importance of ensuring the shelter was well-managed and capable of providing meaningful assistance without harming the surrounding community. One commissioner cited a successful example of a similar facility, the Zebra Coalition, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration with Orange County to meet the demand for shelter beds.

The proposed interlocal agreement with Orange County regarding homelessness services was another focal point of the meeting. One commissioner highlighted the disparity between the number of shelter beds in Orlando and Orange County relative to their populations, voicing frustration over Orlando shouldering the burden of homelessness disproportionately. Discussions also touched on the potential capacity of the proposed shelter, with some expressing uncertainty and concerns about community involvement in the decision-making process.

The council also debated the financial implications of the tourist development tax (TDT) agreement, with some members skeptical of its benefits for the city. A motion was proposed to amend the agreement, requiring Orange County to commit to providing a specified number of housing units in the future as a demonstration of their commitment to addressing homelessness.

In addition to the homelessness discussions, the council addressed the aftermath of a recent hurricane and the ongoing debris collection efforts. The Solid Waste Manager reported progress, noting that the team collected over 600 tons of debris per week, a substantial increase from typical operations. Council members expressed appreciation for the Solid Waste team’s efforts and emphasized the importance of clear communication with residents regarding service delays.