Habitat for Humanity seeks approval to build

Some residents don't want low-income people brought into their neighborhoods.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Jennifer Gordon said city residents have resisted the construction of Habitat for Humanity houses in their neighborhoods in the past.
But, explained the executive director of the organization's Lawrence County chapter, Habitat house owners pay mortgages and property taxes like other homeowners.
"They have to have incomes to pay these mortgages," she said. "Habitat just gives them an opportunity to purchase their own homes when a bank turns them away."
Habitat is seeking city approval to subdivide two lots on the city's East Side. Gordon addressed city council at a public hearing on the matter Tuesday.
Gordon said one lot would be divided into two and the other into three sections to allow the organization to build five houses.
In November, the city planning commission sent its recommendation to approve the request to city council. Council intends to vote on the request at its public meeting tonight.
Earlier this year the New Castle Area School District donated the two vacant lots, between Oak and Chestnut streets, to Habitat.
Gordon explained that Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, Christian organization that provides homes for low-income people. Recipients receive a mortgage with no interest through the organization. House payments typically run about $350 a month, including property taxes and homeowners insurance. In return, the homeowner must donate time and service to the organization, and make a down payment.
The organization has built 12 homes in Lawrence County. Gordon said the houses proposed for the East Side likely would be three- or four-bedroom ranch homes. She said that including labor, each house would be built for about $90,000. She said she is hopeful construction could begin this spring.
Residents' concerns
But neighborhood residents have expressed their concerns about Habitat's plans to city officials. Several residents attended last month's planning commission meeting and Tuesday's public hearing.
Anthony Marcello told council Tuesday that he doesn't feel the neighborhood could support five new homes. Marcello lives on Oak Street, across from the vacant lots.
"Low-income people breed low-income people," he said. "The environment on the East Side isn't good ... as it is. We don't need any more problems. We've got enough to think about."
Gordon said she is not surprised by residents' reactions to the proposal.
"We try to hold meetings to explain the goal and purpose of the organization," she said. "We're used to people supporting our cause, but not wanting these houses to go up in their neighborhoods. Still, we try to keep them informed and work with them. We're hoping to do that with East Side residents as well."