No Homeless Shelter at SS Building, Councilor Says

Third Ward Councilor Sean Spiller said he does not want the former Social Security Office Building in his ward to become a homeless shelter, despite a letter from the federal government last month. 

Residents raised concerns about the use of the building Wednesday night during a community meeting which included Mayor Robert Jackson and Superintendent Penny MacCormack. 

Spiller said he agreed fully with one resident’s opposition to the township purchasing the former Social Security Office Building, at 396 Bloomfield Ave., and using it for a homeless shelter as suggested in previous council meetings. 

“We [the council] looked at acquiring the Social Security Building and using it for something else,” said Spiller. “And that something else hasn’t been determined.” 

The vacant building was deemed a “surplus” by the federal government and has since been scheduled to be sold. While Montclair has expressed interest in purchasing the building, earlier in March the council said nonprofit and religious organizations in town preferred not to take over the building and use it as a shelter.

Instead, the council set aside funds — between $100,000 and $125,000 — for homeless organizations this year and pledged money to them in the future. 

“We developed a plan that we [the council] think will best provide what’s needed to the homeless in our township,” said Spiller. 

The council is exploring ways to purchase the Social Security Building for mixed-use purposes, such as a community center.