AUBURN — The City Council has given the green light to creating a resource center at the vacant city building at 121 Mill St.

The approval followed a lengthy public comment session and council debate Monday over the proposal to move the city’s Community Development office into the building along with nonprofits such as the Pleasant Street Drop-in Center, which provides services for the homeless.

Despite concerns over the impact the project could have on the nearby Barker Mill Arms apartments and the annual costs to run it, the council ultimately voted 5-2 to approve repurposing the building as a resource center.

The council then voted 6-1 to reallocate roughly $438,700 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the project, which will include relocating the Business and Community Development and General Assistance departments from leased space on Main Street.

The few concerns raised Monday were outnumbered by several staff, board members and volunteers of the Pleasant Street Drop-in Center, which has become a heavily-utilized resource for the homeless two days a week at the First Universalist Church. A number of people said the drop-in center’s days are numbered at the church, and the Mill Street proposal would allow the operation to continue.

“This is a difficult issue and we’re trying to find the best solution,” Councilor Tim Cowan said, adding that the current location of the drop-in center is “not sustainable.”

“If we lose what they do in this community, we’ll be that much further behind,” he said.

Others tried to allay fears that the building would eventually become a homeless shelter.

Councilor Leroy Walker, who opposed the project, said he’s heard from a lot of constituents who are against it. Staff has said the building would not be renovated to the code required for a 24-hour shelter.

One resident of Barker Mill Arms said residents there already deal with car break-ins, trash and disturbances related to encampments in the nearby woods. She said she’s not against the project but against 121 Mill St. being used.

Councilor Adam Platz said he has discussed the project with constituents and heard from people on both sides. But, he believes from a city perspective, it’s “a no-brainer.”

“I think this is good for the city,” he said. “A lot of the negative issues, like loitering and trash, I think those things are worse at a non-staffed building. Any other option we have will cost us more.”

Glen Holmes, director of business and community development, previously told the council that the building would need roughly $811,000 in renovations for items like HVAC work, a full kitchen, roof and bathroom improvements and a security system. Another $54,000 in site work would be largely for a new fence between the property and Barker Mill Arms.

Councilor Belinda Gerry, who has lived at Barker Mill Arms for 43 years, said her decision to support the project was not made lightly.

“This is in my backyard,” she said, adding that the apartment complex already sees issues from its own tenants, and that some tenants could benefit from having the drop-in center — it provides meals and clothing, among other things — next door.

“The pros outweigh everything,” she said. “And I’m willing to put my butt on the line to support this because I see the need for it.”

Councilor Steve Milks, who also voted against the proposal, said he’s been impressed with how the drop-in center has been run. But, he said, he’s increasingly concerned for Auburn taxpayers who continue to see rising taxes.

“The taxpayers are doing a lot. It’s important to acknowledge that,” he said.

Milks also said it’s easy to be “perceived as a bad guy” when talking about money in “a situation where there’s clearly a human interest, a human tragedy going on. But, this costs money.”

Walker said the city paid roughly $1 million for the property, with an initial plan to resell for potential housing development. Mayor Jeff Harmon said the city had not received any serious offers from developers, and instead eyed the resource center plan.

Those working and volunteering with the drop-in center said Auburn has a chance to take an important step toward having local governments assist with the growing homelessness crisis.

Greg Whitney, president of the drop-in center, handed out fact sheets to people at the meeting on services the center provides. He said the majority of people trying to provide services for homeless now are either nonprofits or faith-based organizations.

“The problem is too big for just that,” he said. “It’s going to take support from all levels of government. This project is an excellent opportunity to really step up to the plate and provide services.”

Staff working out of the city’s Main Street office told the council recently that they have seen success in transitioning people into housing from encampments.

Data from the Androscoggin County homeless response service hub coordinator said that since September 2023, there were 145 individuals assessed who were living outdoors in Auburn. In the nine months since then, 50 have been housed.