Request to subdivide lots for homes denied

The group could still build two houses, instead of five, on the vacant land.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- By a 3-2 vote, city council has denied a local organization's request to subdivide two lots so it could build five homes for low-income residents.
At a public meeting Thursday, Council President Christine Sands and members Karen DeCarlo and John Russo denied the request by Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity. Council members Will Quimby and Rob Ratkovich voted yes.
"I just think five houses would be too many houses on those two lots," Sands said after the meeting.
Earlier this year the New Castle Area School District donated the two vacant lots, between Oak and Chestnut streets on the city's East Side, to Habitat.
Habitat approached the city seeking approval to subdivide the two lots. In November, the city planning commission sent its recommendation to approve the request to city council.
But East Side residents have repeatedly expressed opposition to Habitat's plans.
Council members voting against the subdivision request reasoned they were standing with those residents.
"I heard what the people had to say and listened to what they want," Sands said.
Before the vote Ratkovich said he feels many people have a misconception about Habitat and what it is.
"It promotes home-ownership," he said, noting that allowing Habitat to construct five new houses in the city would bring in more property tax revenue to the financially strapped municipality.
Habitat's response
Meanwhile, Habitat representatives said they plan to consult with the organization's attorney before determining how to proceed.
"I'm not really sure what we can do," said Jennifer Gordon, Habitat executive director.
"Habitat owns the property. We can still build there. The request was to subdivide. But we have two lots, so we can still look at building two houses. I would like to know, be more clear, on council's reasoning for the denial."
Gordon said 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 each house would be built for about $90,000. She said she is hopeful construction could begin this spring.