Neighbors object to use of New Kensington building for mental health, substance abuse services

New Kensington Council postponed voting on a nonprofit’s proposed use of an office building for its outpatient mental health and substance abuse services Monday after a few neighbors raised concerns.

Southwest Behavioral Care, an affiliate of Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services, wants to move from its existing location at 408 8th St. to the building at 400 Industrial Blvd. The locations are about a half-mile apart.

The new location would give the agency more space and allow it to add services for opiate-related substance abuse, said Cheryld Emala, chief operating officer of Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services.

A conditional use approval is needed because the building is in the city’s I-2, general industrial zoning district, where office buildings are permitted only as an accessory to an industrial use.

Although no residents spoke during a public hearing on the building’s use, for which Emala was present, three residents raised concerns and objections during the city council meeting that followed and before council was to vote. The hearing and meeting were held virtually on Zoom.

Hollin and Carina West said they were uncomfortable with the placement of the facility in a residential area where they said there are many children nearby. Carina West said the office building is about a block from their house.

“They run around on the street, the way it used to be,” Carina West said.

Carnetta Scruggs said, while she feels the agency offers important and needed services in the city, she took issue with the location, saying there are many children who play unattended in the alley and back yards adjacent to the building.

“There are too many children in this area for me,” she said. “I don’t think the best location is this close to residents.”

Scruggs said there are many other places in New Kensington, such as in Central City Plaza, where Southwest Behavioral Care could locate and be away from homes and “might be a better fit for this type of service.

“Let’s try to help them find a better location away from residents,” she said.

No one with Southwest Behavioral Care was present for the virtual council meeting to respond.

The Wests and Scruggs said they did not know about the public hearing, which began a half hour before the council meeting.

The city’s planning commission recommended approval of the use, on the condition that Southwest Behavioral Care’s scope of services for the facility remain the same as at its existing location, where Zoning Officer Tony Males said the city has had no problems.

Councilman Dante Cicconi said he heard an “earful” about the proposed use from those who feel it’s not a compatible use next to a residential area. He said people have expressed concern it could be detrimental to property values and the redevelopment of the area.

“Is this the best thing for the neighborhood? I question it myself, really,” Cicconi said, adding that he was surprised more did not show up to be heard during the public hearing.

Councilman Todd Mentecki, who was not on for the hearing but was present for the council meeting, said the agency’s current location is across from a city fire hall. A firefighter himself, Mentecki said he has talked with the people it serves, and the department has never had a single problem with them.

“Everybody there is with the attitude of trying to make themselves better,” he said.

While Mentecki said his own experience would not cause him to have any concern about the office being in his own neighborhood, he said he understands why some would be uncomfortable with it.

While the city’s planning commission considered the legalities, Mentecki said council needs to consider residents’ feelings.

“Maybe there is another place we can find them in New Kensington,” he said.

Council has 45 days from the hearing to act. Mayor Tom Guzzo said council will address it again at its next regular meeting on May 3.