New Castle denies ministry’s request for TV station, day care
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — City council has denied a local ministry’s request to establish a television broadcasting studio and day-care center at the former Penn Power Co. office building downtown.
Forerunner Ministries was also looking for approval to have apartments in the building.
The structure is at East Washington and North Jefferson streets, an area zoned commercial.
Council made the decision by unanimous vote last week. Lawmakers offered no public explanations for their decision, but later said their reasons were based on information provided by the city solicitor’s office.
The solicitor’s office has stated the applicant has failed to provide sufficient information about its intended use of the building.
Additionally, the solicitor’s findings included concern over possible traffic and pedestrian congestion resulting from the day care and concern over the safety of children and their families.
Last month the city planning commission recommended approval of the ministry’s request.
Earlier this month the city’s zoning hearing board of appeals ruled the organization is in compliance with an occupancy permit issued by the state Department of Labor and Industry for the building.