Residents Move into Greenlea Group Home

After months of contention on the quiet residential street, two men have moved into a controversial group residence on Greenlea Drive.

Transitional Services Inc., a Homestead-based mental-health care provider, purchased the two-story brick home at 162 Greenlea Drive in October with plans to use it as a Fairweather Lodge, a group residence for people with a history of mental illness.

Neighbors on the street, however,  the use of the home, often pleading with Moon officials to intervene. Green signs that read "Protect our children. Say no to the Fairweather Lodge" remain displayed in yards near 162 Greenlea.

Residents said they believe the home's occupants will pose a safety threat to neighbors. Transitional Services has insisted the neighborhood is not at risk, saying that residents of the home will undergo background checks.

When contacted, the group home residents said an employee for Transitional Services advised them not to speak to media.

Transitional Services Chief Executive Officer Sharon Alberts did not respond to requests for comment.

Venus and Greg Thompson, who live next door to 162 Greenlea, filed in March an of an occupancy permit issued to Transitional Services for the home. The appeal, heard before the township Zoning Hearing Board, was rejected.

The Board of Supervisors agreed to facilitate between neighbors on the street and Transitional Services earlier this month. Moon Communications Director Meghan McNamara said the details of  the mediation are still being worked out between the two parties.

Police Chief Leo McCarthy said because residents have expressed concern about the home, his department would make an effort to be more visible in the Amherst Acres neighborhood, where Greenlea Drive is located.

Update:According to a resident of Greenlea Drive, Transitional Services has rejected the township's mediation offer.