ST. LOUIS (AP) - A lawsuit filed against the Rev. Larry Rice by property owners in downtown St. Louis claims his homeless shelter has a negative impact on public safety and quality of life.
The lawsuit filed this week follows a "cease and desist" notice from the city earlier this month. The city claims Rice's New Life Evangelistic Center is operating without a permit. The shelter often houses more than 200 people per night.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are owners of buildings and parking lots near the homeless shelter.
Rice calls the lawsuit frivolous and says he has no plans to close his shelter.