DUNNSTOWN — Residents packed the Dunnstown firehall during the May 6 Woodward Township Planning Commission meeting as officials and community members debated the proposed behavioral health treatment facility known as Project Transition.

The meeting was a follow up to the April 1 discussion that was tabled due to lack of representation from Project Transition at that time.

This meeting focused almost entirely on receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission to the Zoning Hearing Board regarding the special exception use application.

Project Transition representatives stated there would be a 16-bed residential treatment facility at the property, at the 900 block of Countersport Pike, with 12 beds reserved for residents of Clinton and Lycoming Counties.

Attorney Steven Ahlbrandt, representing Project Transition, told the commission the proposal has been misunderstood by some residents.

“This is not a halfway house for offenders. This is not a correctional facility. This is not a facility for individuals that are being released from incarceration,” Ahlbrandt said. “This is a state licensed residential treatment program operating as an institutional residence under the township’s zoning ordinance.”

According to Project Transition VP of marketing, outreach and admissions Ellen Levin, the proposed facility would provide 24-hour supervised care for adults dealing with behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities. Residents would receive therapy, psychiatric services, medication management and life-skills training during stays typically lasting 12 to 18 months.

“This is not long-term institutionalization,” Levin said. “It is a structured transition back to independence.”

Levin emphasized that residents would not be permitted to drive and that staff would transport them to appointments and activities using company vehicles. Officials also described security measures including controlled key-fob access, surveillance cameras in common areas and on-site staffing around the clock.

Questions from planning commission members and residents centered heavily on safety, zoning language, traffic, lighting and the project’s proximity to homes and Woodward Elementary.

Chairman John Barth asked whether any residents would be court-ordered into the program.

“They can be,” Levin responded, explaining that some individuals may come from state hospitals, correctional settings or other treatment facilities after being evaluated and approved through county behavioral health systems.

Levin said 12 of the 16 beds in the first phase would be reserved for residents from Clinton and Lycoming counties, while four beds could be available for surrounding counties if unused locally.

Residents repeatedly challenged the project’s compatibility with the neighborhood.

“I have a huge concern about living right next door,” said resident Dawn Hill. “This is a residential area. This is why we moved here.”

Hill expressed concerns about property values, lighting, traffic and safety near her home for her family.

“What’s gonna happen with depreciation?” she asked. “Who’s gonna want to buy our home?”

Another resident, Dina Meyers, questioned what benefit the facility would provide the township.

“What’s the benefit to our township if this succeeds?” Meyers asked. “How will we benefit from this versus the resistance that you’re seeing?”

Levin pointed to jobs, tax revenue and expanded mental health services for local residents.

Others raised concerns about the proximity to the elementary school as the proposed facility will be 550 feet away, due to the potential use of Suboxone in treatment.

Barth asked for clarification from Levin on the use of Scheduled drugs at the facility.

“We may use Suboxone at the facility that is given by our Nurse Practitioner,” she said. “However, for something like Methadone, they would be transported to their doctor’s office and supervised by a member of our staff.”

Resident Keisha Conway spoke emotionally about balancing support for mental health services with concerns as a parent living near the site.

“I support the project because I do it for a living,” Conway said. “I just wish you would maybe look outside of this location, because it really does affect families.”

Several residents also questioned the interpretation of the township zoning ordinance, particularly language excluding “halfway homes for delinquents, offenders and other adjudicated individuals.”

Planning commission members repeatedly pressed Project Transition representatives on whether residents coming from incarceration would qualify under the ordinance as their approval to move forward would disqualify many of the residents who need care, according to Levin.

Ahlbrandt argued the proposed use differs from a halfway house because admission would be based on clinical treatment needs rather than criminal status.

“The program is defined by clinical admission and treatment, and not a criminal status,” he said.

Safety concerns from resident Theresa Jacobs were discussed following two questions on any deaths or murders within a Project Transition facility and any escapes.

Levin acknowledged there had been one previous escape incident at another facility operated by the organization, though Levin described it as a resident who “went inside the woods with his guitar” and was later found safe. Levin also shared that a murder had occurred at an apartment complex operated by Project Transition in Reading, Pa.

Discussion then turned to a potential second phase of development. Ahlbrandt said the current application includes a future second building that could eventually increase total capacity to 46 residents, though they stressed no immediate plans or funding exist for expansion.

Residents objected to what some described as a “blank slate” proposal without finalized building designs or lighting plans.

“I think it’s very foolish for Woodward Township to approve a blank slate and rely on the goodwill of a for-profit agency,” one resident said during public comment.

Toward the end of the meeting, planning commission officials explained that the board would not make the final decision, but instead provide a recommendation to the township zoning hearing board.

Officials announced the zoning hearing board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 6 p.m, at the Dunnstown fire hall.