Neighbors oppose homeless shelter

Although St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Park Ridge believes helping the homeless to be one of its missions, nearby residents are not convinced.

Gary Beckner says some neighborhood residents are concerned about homeless people loitering outside their homes and the possibility of increased crime.

Beckner has joined a grass-roots group formed two months ago in opposition to the proposed shelter. He says the church was a year into planning for the facility before approaching those who would be its neighbors.

The Reverend Amity Carrubba of St. Mary's is apologizing for the upset the proposed shelter has caused, adding the church first wants to be a good neighbor.

The church says the shelter could accommodate 10 to 15 people, and would be open only on Sunday nights from October through April.