MERCER COUNTY Animal agency to look at other sites for shelter
The society president said the group would like to meet with opponents to address concerns.
FARRELL, Pa. -- The Mercer County Humane Society would still like to build its combined office/animal shelter at the corner of Fruit Avenue and Roemer Boulevard, but now says it's willing to look at other sites.
About 100 people showed up at a Farrell City Council meeting Monday to protest that project, saying it is just too close to the Pentecostal House of Prayer at 725 Fruit Ave.
Rick Harakal, society president, said after the meeting that the society's plans hadn't changed, but the agency's board of directors, meeting Tuesday, softened its stance.
Harakal said Wednesday that the board has decided not to rule out other possible sites, though the board doesn't expect to find one in Farrell.
"We've already looked," he said, adding that the society is now looking outside the city.
No money
The problem is the organization has no money to buy property, and getting sufficient land donated may be impossible.
Harakal owns the Fruit-Roemer site and is willing to sell it to the society. He has said the society can pay him in the future, if it ever gets the funds.
He said the society board would still like to meet with those opposed to the project in an effort to address their concerns.
There won't be any smell or noise coming from the shelter because the dogs and cats it may house will be in an enclosed area of the basement. There won't be any external kennel, he said, adding that the facility would look like a veterinarian's office.