A couple of weeks ago, we found out that someone purchased the Pelican Island Cottages north of Kroegel Homestead Produce on Indian River Drive and U.S. Highway 1. The buyer told Sebastian Daily the pink cottages would be for affordable housing.
But now, most businesses and residents near the property are complaining that it will be used for a homeless shelter. The new potential owners of the property are affiliated with The Source, a food distribution center in Vero Beach.
“I think the county is trying to push some of their problems in Vero Beach onto Sebastian,” a resident told Sebastian Daily, who would only speak on condition of anonymity.
We don’t have any facts showing where the county is pushing for a homeless shelter, only that the property was a private sale. Residents along Indian River Drive fear that there could be an increase in crime if the cottages are used as a shelter.
“Why here on prime real estate? Why can’t they build something out west of here? This is bad,” the resident said.
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The potential owners never told Sebastian Daily that the property would be used as a homeless shelter. Instead, they want to use it for affordable housing since there’s a shortage.
Some residents are so outraged that they plan to talk with the City of Sebastian. However, the property is actually in the county.
The cottages have been used as a resort, providing guests with features like a shared lounge, garden, tennis court, and free WiFi.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels, and a patio with a garden view. In addition, every room has a coffee machine, while some rooms are equipped with a kitchen providing a microwave, fridge, and oven.
There’s limited information about right now, but Sebastian Daily will follow up with another report when new information is available.
