Staff writer
chriscam@observer-reporter.com
A third group home has opened in a residential section of South Strabane Township, prompting nearby residents to ask officials whether procedures were followed.
About 30 people who live near 685 Woodlawn Drive attended the supervisors' meeting Tuesday night, inquiring how the group home opened without township approval.
The home is owned by Northwestern Human Services of Pennsylvania. Unlike two other group homes on Magnolia Drive, residents said this one does not appear to house people with mental or physical disabilities. Instead, there are able-bodied men living there. There also were complaints of vehicles parked on the street with people coming and going at all hours, grass not being mowed and trash cans left in front of the home.
"I think we have a right to know what kind of client is there," said Linda Graham, who lives on Woodlawn.
Mary Jean Maggi, whose parents live in the neighborhood, said she spoke to the home's manager, who assured her that neighbors are not in any danger. He said there is around-the-clock supervision at the home, which houses a number of adults.
The home overlooks the Colonial Woods swimming pool. Without knowing who is living in the home, neighbors fear children walking to the pool could be harmed.
"We're concerned for our kids, our safety, our property values. It shouldn't be allowed to happen in our neighborhood," said Jeanie Waters of Sara Drive.
Supervisors said they only learned about the home that day. They did promise to request additional police patrols through the area. Township solicitor Thomas Lonich explained that they cannot prohibit group homes in the township but can place operating conditions on them.
Township manager John Stickle had spoken to someone with NHS who said they would comply with necessary regulations if they determine they are running a group home. He said Wednesday that he plans to meet with a representative from the home to get additional information.
But several residents wondered why officials couldn't act to shut the home down now, pending the company applying to the township.
"If it was a house of prostitution, would you let it run until they got a permit?" asked Carl Trusler of Wilbert Avenue.
Donald Trautman, former supervisor and a member of the planning commission, said only one home on Magnolia Drive had received township approval to operate.
"All these homes that come in here and say, 'I wasn't aware,' that's bull. I've heard it for years," he said.
Richard Scott, from NHS's communications department, said the company operates homes across the state and all receive approval to operate. He said someone from the company's central western regional office would respond to questions, but no one called back by late Wednesday night.
NHS' Web site said it provides adult mental health services; children's services, including autism, family care and foster care, and services for elder care, juvenile justice, intellectural/developmental disabilities and addictive diseases.
South Strabane permits group homes as a conditional use in residential zoning districts R-2, R-3, R-4 and agricultural, A-1. However, the zoning ordinance stipulates that a group home cannot be within a half-mile from another one.
Supervisor Edward Mazur proposed a motion to have the township take action to shut down the home as soon as possible if their attorney recommends they can do so.
Supervisor Robert Hollick was the only official who voted against the motion, saying he did not want to give people a false sense of security.
"The last thing you want to do is rush into it and make a bad mistake in dealing with these people," he said.
But Supervisor Thomas Moore saw it differently.
"I'd rather have this organization coming after us than the good people of South Strabane," he said.
Minutes from the supervisor's meetings are available at www.observer-reporter.com by clicking on Source documents.