VisionQuest tries again

[Antigen]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyi ... 87193.html

By Chris Buckley
VALLEY INDEPENDENT
Wednesday, March 31, 2004

FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP - A firm that unsuccessfully sought approval 3 1/2 years ago to operate a home for at-risk youths at the former Colonial Meadows site is pitching another plan for the facility.
Jerry Sutyak, lodge director for VisionQuest, will reveal the plan when the Fallowfield Township Supervisors meet at 7 p.m. today at the municipal building on Route 481.

In late 2001, VisionQuest signed a lease with property owner Ken McGavitt, and planned to open a residential home for youths in the former personal care facility, located off Old Route 71.

However, the township zoning hearing board denied McGavitt's request for a zoning change that would allow VisionQuest to move in.

John Bukovac, director of Pennsylvania for VisionQuest, said the company has since been considering its options for the property.

Fallowfield Supervisor Donn Henderson said Bukovac is expected to present a plan in which the facility would be used to provide care for senior citizens and a home for unwed teenage mothers.

VisionQuest officials outlined the plan for the supervisors last week, Henderson said. The facility would provide job training opportunities for the girls, Henderson said.

VisionQuest already operates a facility for unwed teen mothers in Washington, Pa.

If the township approves the zoning request, VisionQuest could move into the location within a few weeks, Bukovac said.

The company would have to obtain a license from the state Department of Public Welfare. VisionQuest previously received a license to operate at the Fallowfield site, but it has expired. Bukovac said he is confident the state will grant another license if the township approves the plans.

Henderson does not expect a vote on the matter today. However, VisionQuest might find more support this time around.

"I can't speak for the other supervisors, but in my mind it's a viable use for the facility," said Henderson, who lives near the facility.

In talking to VisionQuest officials at the prior meeting, Henderson raised several concerns, including one about who would be permitted to visit the teens.


Chris Buckley can be reached at cbuckley@tribweb.com or (724) 684-2642.

...it does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate,
tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds..

--Samuel Adams