PORTSMOUTH — Residents living near the Paul A. Dobles Army Reserve Center on Cottage Street said they would move if the City Council chose to reuse the center as a homeless shelter, citing safety concerns.

Relocating Cross Roads House from its location on Lafayette Road is one of the seven options in front of the council for reuse of the building, scheduled for closure in 2011. Although the building will not be available for some time, the city must complete a reuse plan by June, according to federal regulations

In the first of two public hearings on Wednesday, several residents living near the 3.4-acre parcel said they would move if the council allows the criminal element connected with the homeless into a dense residential area.

"Everyone knows what homeless shelters bring, and we're concerned with it," said Cheri Haley, of 50 Cottage St. "We are all looking at putting our houses on the market if that happens."

"I've lived hear 31 years, I raised my kids there and I would like to retire there," said Mark Mattson, of 51 Cottage St. "But my wife says if it becomes a homeless shelter we're going to be moving ... We're sympathetic to their needs, but it doesn't seem compatible with the neighborhood."

Another resident handed the council copies of all the crime stories printed in the Portsmouth Herald in the past year that included an address of Cross Roads.

Chris Sterndale, executive director of Cross Roads, said the current facility does not meet the demand. While there are enough beds, there is no ventilation or sprinkler system or adequate kitchen.

The Dobles Center would be ideal size, he said, but not in a favorable location considering it is located near the highway and the shelter attracts a lot of foot and bicycle traffic.

Cross Roads is also part of another proposal, called "The Coming Home Collaborative," in partnership with the Housing Partnership, YMCA and the United Way, which would include approximately 19 work force housing units and six transitional housing units.

Other proposals include relocating the police station, Disabled American Veterans offices, affordable housing, nonprofit administrative offices or market rate sale reuse.

Most of the residents were in favor of a municipal use, workforce housing or the veteran offices.

The next public hearing will be held June 4.