A controversial homeless shelter in White Plains is closing its doors for good in early August.

The Westchester County drop-in shelter houses homeless people overnight. The shelter was first located near the Westchester County Airport but was moved inside an office building on Court Street.

The shelter has been a flashpoint with politicians since the murder of Connie Russo Carriero at the Galleria Mall in June of 2005. Philip Grant, who was convicted of her murder, was homeless and spent the night before the murder at the shelter when it was near the airport.

Susan Tolchin, chief advisor to County Executive Andy Spano, says the decision was made because city officials made it clear they wanted the shelter closed for good. There are no plans to reopen the shelter in another location.

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