Mountain-PLAINS-After a marathon hearing, the Board of zoning hearing Plains Township voted unanimously just after midnight today to reject a proposed drug and alcohol treatment center at the former Valley Crest Nursing home.
5-0 vote was tallied at approximately 12: 10 a.m. today, more than five hours after the start of the hearing and three weeks after the initial long hours sitting on 17 January was suspended late in the evening with no end in sight.
Finally, after nearly 10 hours of testimony about the pros and cons of structure and opinions on zoning laws, the zoning Board refused to grant the Salvation Army a zoning variance to open a bed 175 drug and alcohol rehabilitation center to nursing home former County properties.
The Salvation Army was trying to shutter its adult rehabilitation centers in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton to consolidate operations at the site of 62 acres in the Plains.
Now, the Salvation Army, which was looking for a new centralized location for years, has 30 days to appeal the decision.
The judgment is also a blow to the Luzerne County budget. Commissioners last year 2011 budget gaps linked by including 4.4 million dollars in revenue that are anticipated from the sale of the plant for the Salvation Army. The non-profit group, based on faith was the only one to tender for the facility that met the minimum price of the County, County officials have said.
Head of the County's budget, Tom Pribula, exit after contest including sales revenue in the budget is uncertain.
Board of zoning several members said this morning that they felt that the proposal does not comply with zoning laws and does not justify a variance--how the Earth was allocated a conservation district after Valley Crest was built.
"We have to interpret Ordinances and zoning. This is our work, "said Mike Wascavage, alternate member of the board of zoning, who was filling in for board member Norman Krulack, who was absent.
Wascavage made motion to reject the request and was seconded by Board member Karen Rubasky. Member Michael Somoga, John Javick and Joseph McGuire followed with votes to reject the request.
Concerned residents who live by the facility in the meeting in January and also on Monday evening, waiting to express their concerns. Both times, have waited and waited.
For all meetings in January and especially on Monday, residents watched as lawyers of the Salvation Army witnesses called to tout the benefits of the program, which provides for the rehabilitation of shelter, alcohol and drug free, work therapy and spiritual awakening of those fighting the demons of addiction or who are down on their luck.
A lawyer representing a nearby nursing home became the face of opposition, preliminary witnesses to the Salvation Army.
Lawyer George Krueger represented Timber Ridge Health Care Center, a nursing home is located approximately 200 metres from the old site Valley Ridge that has 180 residents, including many who are considered "vulnerable elders."?Residents and staff filed a petition to oppose the plans of the Salvation Army. Nursing home has also filed a lawsuit to block the sale.
Main points of contention were the Krueger that the Salvation Army helped out city drug users subscribe in its programmes and not to bore then no liability for them if they voluntarily left the program and has caused problems in the community.
"They have no way to return to their home community, do you?" Krueger, she said. "Where?"
How did the last meeting for crimes, including two murders of Luzerne County, in 2005 by residents who left the program Krueger linked residents or former residents of the Salvation Army.
From around 10: 30 on Monday, the Salvation Army finished its case. It was time for the opposition.
Krueger, then called his first witness: Kabacinski Wins, Executive Director of vision, homeless shelter, a men's tournament in Luzerne County.
Krueger asked Kabacinski if his organization accepts the client out-of-town, as does the Salvation Army.
"Do you want to--your primary customers, are people from Luzerne County?" Krueger asked.
"Yes," said Kabacinski.
Krueger asked Kabacinski what happens when the Salvation Army helps someone from out of town to use its services, and then that person who walks out of the service.
"It becomes a problem having to do with," said Kabacinski. "I cannot accept that. That becomes a burden to each taxpayer in the County of Luzerne. "
After an official with Timber Ridge testified about the widespread opposition, residents finally got to argue their case.
Thanks to the late hour, many decided to renounce the testimony and allow Joe Pisteck to speak to them. Pisteck presented to the Board of Directors with two pages of the bullets of the concerns of residents.
Pisteck said he was concerned there is no oversight over the Salvation Army.
"Since they do not respond to an agency high, just walk scott free," he said.
A fourth-generation resident of quiet, looked at the Salvation Army officers in presence and asked them why they do not understand why the neighbors are worried.
"As a kid, I rode my bike around this plant all the time. With the Salvation Army there, my kids will never, "he said.
After the 5-0 vote to reject the proposal, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Salvation Army officials did not say if they had planned to appeal the judgment.
bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2055
沒有留言:
張貼留言