FARRELL, PA. Humane Society to build shelter next to church, despite opposition

About 100 city residents showed up at a city council meeting to protest the project.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
FARRELL, Pa. -- The Mercer County Humane Society will build a combination office and animal shelter at Fruit Avenue and Roemer Boulevard despite opposition.
"As far as we're concerned, it's over. We're moving forward," said Rick Harakal, society president.
Harakal's comment came after a Farrell City Council meeting Monday that drew about 100 residents opposed to building a shelter next to the Pentecostal House of Prayer at 725 Fruit Ave.
To avoid confrontation, no society members attended the meeting, Harakal said when contacted after the session.
Opponents don't understand what is proposed, he said, explaining it would be just like a veterinarian's office.
Abused, neglected or injured dogs and cats would be kept in the basement of the split-entry building, said Harakal, who owns the site but is selling it to the society. There won't be any noise or odor, he said.
Money in project
The society has money invested in architectural and other costs and isn't interested in looking at alternatative sites, he said.
The society got a zoning variance from the city's zoning hearing board Sept. 20 that allows the structure.
Those who showed up at the council meeting asked city officials to overrule the board and were disappointed when that didn't happen.
Individual council members may oppose it, but the city has no authority to stop it, Mayor William Morocco said, explaining that the zoning hearing board, though appointed by council, is an independent body.
That doesn't mean others can't appeal the ruling, said Atty. Steve Mirizio, city solicitor.
The Rev. Ralph Newell, pastor of Jesus' Church Faith Christian Center of Farrell and a member of the Shenango Valley Ministerial Association, said he will ask the association to meet this week to take the lead in appealing to Mercer County Common Pleas Court.
Deadline
An appeal must be filed by Oct. 20.
The Rev. Martha Sanders, now retired and a former member of city council, said opponents of the animal shelter gathered 541 signatures of those against the plan.
"We are appalled that the zoning board would make such a decision," she told council as the entire audience rose in support of her words.
The congregation at Pentecostal House of Prayer was never asked its opinion on the matter, she said, adding that the noise and odor from a kennel will be a detriment to the church and the area.
The fact that Harakal is president of the society and is selling the land is "a conflict of interest," she said.
Eva Collins, who lives near the site, said she has recently remodeled her home but the noise and smell of a kennel will damage the value of her property.
"You'd better stop and think twice before you let a kennel in this town," said Jeanetta Holloway of Spearman Avenue, adding, "If it takes me to run for council to stop this, I will."
The Rev. Letitia Banks, pastor of Pentecostal House of Prayer, doesn't want the shelter at Fruit and Roemer. "We're not going to tolerate a dog howling while I pray," she told council.