Current zoning already allows the Salvation Army to build a new facility.

All a proposed zoning change would do is allow the building to be flush with the sidewalk.

Still any added square footage makes those who live and work in the area question the organization's motives.

Roger Thompson, Professor of Criminal Justice at UTC says, "There is an expansion being proposed to double the size and basically put a federal prison in the MLK neighborhood."

Long rebutted saying,"We're not doubling anything."

Anita Polk-Connelly/MLK Neighborhood Assoc tells the council, "My understanding and this is what they have told us is they are really trying to get rid of the transient housing that now exists in that location. If that can be reduced we know it will have a positive effect on our neighborhood."

Major Jim Lawrence says the Salvation Army doesn't control the number of people in the work release program.

Right now he notes they only have room for 65 beds.

If there's more people in the program than that, Lawrence says they have to sleep on cots.

For now, Council members decide to table a vote on the zoning change.

They hope within the next 30 days the neighborhood will meet with the Salvation Army and put any concerns to rest.