The South Bend Redevelopment Commission voted to reallocate $1 million to renovate the exterior of one of the controversial Gemini Apartment buildings Thursday night.
The project received backlash from neighbors last month because up to six apartments have been designated to be used as permanent supportive housing for the homeless.
The Gemini apartment buildings are owned by the nonprofit South Bend Heritage Foundation.
Karl Edmonson is a South Bend Heritage board member and a near westside resident. He said the money for renovations has nothing to do with the permanent supportive housing.
“I think it’s crazy for anyone in our neighborhood to be against the renovations,” he said.
Edmonson says the other Gemini apartment has already been renovated.
“When South Bend Heritage bought it and started doing renovations, it’s been nothing but good for our neighborhood and for our community.”
The $1 million is coming from funds that were already approved for a homeless gateway center. That project was dropped this fall.
Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16
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