The Board declared 2.5 acres of Newblock Park as surplus on Tuesday, clearing the first hurdle for the property to be used as a transitional housing site for homeless people. Several residents from Crosbie Heights, the neighborhood surrounding the park, asked the board to delay or deny the decision just before the vote.

Resident Linda Collier told the board that allowing the housing program would "go against everything we've been working towards" in the neighborhood. Realtor Deb Cramer cited studies showing a decline in home values where one or more homeless shelters were allowed.

is bordered by multiple social service agencies on the edge of downtown, by railroad tracks on another side, and is home to dozens of homeless campsites, primarily along the Arkansas River.

is 98 acres, with a

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