SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Dozens of community members from the south side of Santa Fe are speaking out, telling city leaders not to move a local homeless shelter to the area. Residents packed city council chambers Wednesday night, expressing concerns over the possible relocation of the “Pete’s Place” homeless shelter.
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The shelter’s lease is set to expire in October and community members say they’re worried it’ll be moved to a former juvenile detention center on Airport Road. “I think everybody in this room can recognize that there is a major problem on Cerrillos Road. Cerrillos Road looks like Central Avenue,” said Isaac Dean, Santa Fe resident.
Residents also argued that bringing “Pete’s Place” into an area they say is already vulnerable would expose kids to more crime and substance abuse. “I’m very very concerned about placement of this facility where there’s no other resources that would be there to support a shelter like this,” said Jeff Pinkerton, Santa Fe resident.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, officials from the city, county and shelter have stated there are currently no plans to move “Pete’s Place” to the south side.