Halfway house clears hurdle for relocation

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- City council apparently is paving the way for an area halfway house to relocate.
Council enacted an ordinance Thursday that vacates a portion of Grant Street between Highland Avenue and East Street, essentially taking one of two steps necessary to allow Highland House to move a few doors south of its 312 Highland Ave. location.
Highland House, a nonprofit facility that helps recovering alcoholic and drug-dependent women, is also asking the city to rezone the parcels between Stewart Place and an area south of Grant Street between Highland Avenue and East Street.
The Greater New Castle Community Development Corp., which owns the property, has also requested the change, and the city planning commission is recommending it.
If council agrees, the area will be changed from residential to commercial.
Officials said they likely will vote on that matter next month.
Council must approve all planning commission recommendations.
Marilyn Plotts, Highland House executive director, said the estimated cost to build an appropriate facility there is $1.4 million.
Highland House has 18 employees and likely will create several more positions with the expansion, she added.
Plotts said the 18-bed facility intends to add six beds.