Waymart council sets April 30 hearing for proposed in-patient drug and alcohol facility
A conditional use hearing for a new alcohol and drug in-patient rehabilitation and detoxification health facility in Waymart is planned for Tuesday, April 30, at the Waymart Fire Hall at 6:30 p.m.
The fire hall at 254 Carbondale Road is larger than Waymart's borough offices, and was where an informational meeting was hosted by the borough in early March, attended by numerous residents.
Waymart Borough Council will have an opportunity to hear testimony on the project and set forth conditions on the operation if the proposed use within the zoning district goes forward. The alcohol and drug program would be in the former Mallard Meadows facility owned by KELG Real Estate on Belmont Turnpike (Route 296) north of the intersection with Route 6.
Mallard Meadows was a nursing home; a day care program uses it today.
More from Waymart: Council hears of Route 296 bridge replacement, detour concern
Allerand Recovery Holdings, LLC is the applicant asking to change the use of the property. Councilor Jane Varcoe said that a couple people who reside in its vicinity expressed objections to the proposal. Others spoke in favor of how the program has changed lives for the better.
The application is available for review during normal business hours at the borough offices on South Street.
More Waymart business
During March, the Waymart police case load included: Disorderly conduct, one; assists to other law enforcement, three; noise complaints, two; public assist to motorists, one; theft, one; suspicious vehicles, four; driver warnings, one; traffic citations, three; ongoing investigations, about 11. Total calls: 43.
Complaints were heard from the audience about sightings of rats in yards on part of Route 296. One resident said that in 50 years living there, they had not seen rats until the last two years. Concerns were expressed about a potential source being a property where garbage is put out back. Councilor Varcoe said this is another reason the borough needs a code enforcement officer.
Mayor Charles Norella noted that time-and-a-half overtime was not paid to the Waymart police officers who worked on Good Friday. Although not a federal holiday, he said he goes by the list of holidays observed by the county. Council President Shane Bayly said it was an oversight and affirmed it would be paid.
Uses for the $10,978.98 left in the borough's allotment of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds were discussed. Varcoe said she would ask at an upcoming ARP meeting if the funds may be used for a computer, as well as protective outer shells for the police department's armored vests when worn over the uniform. Norella asked to purchase police uniform patches and updated citation books through ARP.
Solicitor Chris Farrell asked if he should do a title search for four lots at Wayside Park, where a major upgrade is forthcoming. Project designer Jason Wood asked for verification that the search was clear, but Farrell said he would need to do a search rather than just sign off on it.
More: Waymart's Wayside Park to get new equipment; Woodland Design to oversee phase one
Varcoe stated that the title search was already done when the school district gave the site of the former Waymart school, for a borough park. Farrell advised he would hire a title searcher, which will cost about $750.
"Money down the drain," Varcoe said. The council voted to allow the solicitor to proceed; Varcoe voted "no."
Varcoe advised getting signage in Wayside Park prohibiting dogs. Councilor Theresa Stratton suggested installing a receptacle with bags to clean up after one's dog. Varcoe will inquire about adding it to the park upgrade.
Stratton advised a re-design of the borough meeting room to give them more space, enabling removal of the post supporting the two halves of the modular building. Bayly asked to get quotes.
Waymart Council meets on the second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the offices at 128 South St.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Waymart council sets hearing for in-patient drug and alcohol facility
