Board rejects request for wellness center

The building manager hasn't decided if he will appeal the ruling in court.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The New Castle Zoning Board has denied the Lawrence County Drug and Alcohol Commission's request to establish a wellness center at a building downtown.
Last week, the zoning board ruled the commission, which was looking to rent the building at 20 E. Washington St., has not met the burden of proof that the center's purpose would be a professional use as described in the city's zoning ordinance.
Atty. Charles Sapienza, representing the building manager and the commission, argued, however, that the center meets the city's zoning ordinance definition of professional services, which is allowed in a C-2 commercial district.
Unsure about appeal
Building manager J. Richard Mauk said he has not decided whether to appeal the board's decision to Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.
Late last year, city council denied the commission's request for a conditional use for the building, which formerly housed the House of Brews coffee shop.
At that time, council members said the purpose of the proposed wellness center did not fit criteria outlined in the city's recently adopted comprehensive land-use plan.
Commission representatives have said they are looking for a place to establish a life skills center that would be used by people recovering from drug and alcohol addictions.
The center would provide instruction in various areas such as computer training, personal budget and checking account management, and r & eacute;sum & eacute; writing.
To participate in the program, clients would be required to remain drug- and alcohol-free, explained Judy Thompson, the commission's executive director.