Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and the Salt Lake City Council made unilateral decisions without community input as to where to begin building four 150+ bed homeless shelters/substance abuse treatment centers in urban Salt Lake City.  The residents of these areas were blindsided and given no ability to voice their dissension as to the locations, some of which are in middle to lower income communities, surrounded by private residences.  Permits were pulled, and quiet deals were made, without the input of those living next door to these new facilities. 

We deeply understand the growing homelessness issue in Salt Lake City, and the crime issues the encampment behind The Gateway have caused.  However, the idea that breaking up a criminal and drug dealing element by dispersing it into four different communities, some areas full of private homes, without the consent of the residents of these areas is ridiculous and an abuse and mismanagement of power.  These middle/lower class Salt Lake residents should not have to live next door to a homeless shelter. We are not against housing the homeless. We are for open discussion about housing the homeless in a way that does not adversely affect tax paying citizen's safety and homes.  We demand any further movement on the plans and constructions of these locations stop immediately for further review and approval by the communities and residents.

This sort of unilateral and secretive decision making without the input of residents, which will adversely impact local businesses, safety, and home values cannot be allowed to stand.