DUNNSTOWN — The continuation of a zoning hearing for a proposed adult psychiatric residential treatment facility in Woodward Township will continue in May following a large number of public comments.

The initial meeting was held on March 24 at the Dunnstown Fire Hall and spanned roughly three hours.

A second hearing, originally scheduled for April 14 at the Dunnstown Fire Company, has been postponed until May. Officials have not yet announced a new date.

The continuation comes after a request from the zoning hearing board for the planning commission to review the information given and provide an opinion.

According to township officials, the planning commission was unable to offer an opinion due to lack of representation from Project Transitions. The group discussed sending a letter to inform the zoning hearing board that an opinion is unable to be given at this time.

The proposed facility for Project Transitions, would be located on a four-acre site along Coudersport Pike in Woodward Township, near Woodward Elementary School.

The facility is designed to provide long-term, community-based behavioral health care for adults with serious mental illness.

Current approved plans call for an initial capacity of eight beds, with residents staying up to 18 months. Services include residential treatment, daily therapy, psychiatric rehabilitation and peer support to help individuals transition back into independent living, according to information provided on their website.

Local funding comes from the Lycoming Clinton Joinder Board who approved an amendment earlier this year increasing funding for the project from $418,767 to $600,000 to cover rising construction costs.