Zoning Hearing for Greenlea Group Home Slated for Tonight

A hearing on the appeal of a zoning ruling on a proposed group home on Greenlea Drive for people with mental illnesses is scheduled for  7 tonight in the Moon Township municipal building.

Venus Thompson, who lives next door to the proposed site, has challenged the occupancy permit issued by the township to .  The agency sought the permit in order to open and operate a group residence for four men with mental illnesses in a house at 162 Greenlea Drive.

Moon Solicitor Blaine Lucas said he contacted attorneys for both sides last week to request that the hearing be postponed until April 14 and that Transitional Services and Thompson first take part in mediation.  That did not happen, although it was not clear which party rejected his recommendation.

Thompson wants the zoning board to revoke the permit because she believes the group home’s residents would pose a safety risk to children on the street and adversely affect neighborhood property values. The home has not yet opened. Transitional Services CEO Sharon Alberts said residents will move into the home after renovations are made in the next several weeks. 

The result of the public hearing may be appealed to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Check back with Patch Friday morning for coverage of the hearing.