Today, Mayor Jackie Biskupski directed Salt Lake City’s real estate team to notify the owners of the proposed homeless resource center site located at 653 East Simpson Avenue that the City will be cancelling the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the property. The City is currently in the due diligence period and has the option to cancel the contract at its sole discretion for any reason.

The decision comes after a new proposal regarding the ongoing efforts to serve those most in need in our community was announced Friday by State, County, and City leaders.

Under the proposal, the City will commit to building two new resource centers in Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake County will commit to identifying a location for a site outside of the City by March 30th.  Based on an analysis from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) it was also determined the Midvale Family Center and alternatives to shelter can appropriately serve the needs of families experiencing homelessness. City leaders had expressed their support of making the Simpson Avenue location a resource center for families, capped at 100 individuals.

“Based on the size and location of the parcel, the Simpson Avenue site was always most appropriate as a location for the smaller family resource center. With the new proposal, the need for this type of property has ended,” said Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “This new proposal also allows us to turn our focus and resources to the areas where these new spaces of hope will be built. The Ballpark and Central City neighborhoods have already demonstrated their willingness to engage in productive dialogue to help those most in need in the City.”

The City will also end plans to build a resource center at 648 West 100 South, a property owned by the Redevelopment Agency (RDA). City officials indicated the space could be used to expand affordable housing in the City.