Proposal To Convert Clairton Church To Halfway House Creates Controversy
CLAIRTON (KDKA) -- A church controversy is brewing in the city of Clairton.
A one-time parole officer wants to purchase the former St. Paulinus Roman Catholic Church and turn the rectory into a halfway house for up to 15 inmates recently released from jail.
The church would be a place for social gatherings and religious services.
Neighbors who just recently learned of the plans to re-open the doors of a closed church are upset.
If opponents have their way, they say the plans won't have a prayer.
Jessica Priches, who lives across the street from the closed church, said there are a lot of children in the neighborhood, and there's a playground just up the street.
"I do not think that inmates should reside in a residential area around kids. There's a park right up the street," said Priches. "I don't like it at all. I hope they don't do it."
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Clairton's Mayor Ricard Lattanzi says the neighborhood is zoned for residential occupancy.
Lattanzi says he's against the plan because there are other locations in the city that he believes can serve as halfway home.
"This is definitely not zoned for it," said Lattanzi. "We told the people that were interested that it wasn't zoned, but they still pushed the diocese about buying it. They got a pretty good price on the church and the rectory. It looks like they were still trying to move forward."
The Clairton City Council meets Tuesday night, and a protest against the idea of converting the church into a halfway facility is set for Wednesday night.