The former Knox Moose Lodge will not be offered as a potential site for a homeless shelter, according to Mayor Dennis Estok. “That building was bought for future land use, to help revitalize the downtown area, whatever it’s going to be,” Estok said during Tuesday’s city council meeting. “It was not offered for the homeless shelter, and it won’t be. That is not the original plan for that building. That’s not why we bought it. So that is off the table, as far as I’m concerned.”
A nonprofit group called the Starke County Resource Center has been offered the Knights of Columbus building at 503 East Lake Street, to set up a “temporary housing facility for displaced Starke County residents.” But several neighbors argued to the city’s board of zoning appeals last week that the Moose Lodge, which is now owned by the city and is farther away from their homes, would be a better location.
As for what the city does plan to do with the Moose Lodge, Estok said Knox may be able to apply for a Blight Clearance grant to tear it down. “The rehab of that building, after you take a look at it, would be tremendous, and it’s just not going to be worth it,” he explained.
The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has redirected much of its federal funding toward COVID-19 response, but Estok was hopeful that Blight Clearance money may be available next year.
