Homeless center, fire station being discussed by city leaders this week

A proposed resource center for the homeless in downtown La Crosse gets another hearing this month at City Hall. 

Homeowners living near the suggested 5th Avenue site have been vocal in their opposition to the project, fearing it could cause harm to the neighborhood. 

Catholic Charities has even withdrawn its plan, in response to the protests. 

But at the last La Crosse city council meeting, council members voted to bring up the issue again during the October meeting cycle. 

City planners are recommending the council vote down the plan, since the withdrawal by Catholic Charities. 

The plan commission also will consider a proposal to expand a south-side fire station, if city officials approve a zoning change on Losey Boulevard. 

A house next to the Losey fire station would be demolished to allow the fire department facility to increase the size of the station which has been there for about 50 years. 

Back in 2017, a fire station task force recommended tearing down Station 3 because of poor design, but a later report recommended expansion instead.