PITTSBURGH — The current Fraternal Order of Police building in Pittsburgh’s Banksville neighborhood could soon become transitional housing for 100 federal inmates.
Kentucky-based charity Dismas Charities is going through the approval process and presented a plan to Banksville residents on Thursday.
“It’s not your neighborhood, is it? But we were never consulted,” one neighbor said.
Her concerns represented the vast majority of people who attended a meeting Thursday night.
“I think everybody here doesn’t want this in our neighborhood,” one man said.
Representatives from the charity told neighbors that the building would house 92 men and 8 women who are not free to come and go. It would also have 33 full-time employees who would be local hires.
Residents had a number of concerns. Most fit under two categories: safety and finances.
“I feel very insecure that they are putting in a facility that does not have lockdown provisions,” Michele Bertini said.
Others pointed out the proximity to schools, businesses and daycare centers.
Another point of contention was property devaluation. Charity reps said that would not happen.
“Assessor’s reports do not support that property values decrease because of residential entry programs,” Cathy Bellew with Dismas said.
It’s also unclear whether the group, which is a nonprofit, would pay property taxes. That would be up to the city.
The entire purchase is contingent on zoning approval by city council.
“Vote no on this. This is not what we want in our community and we are relying on you,” Bertini said.
A hearing in front of the city’s planning commission is set for March 10th.
There is no timetable for when council could hold a final vote.
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