MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Planning Board has signed off on a zoning law amendment that could help pave the way for a domestic violence shelter in the town of Ellery.
The Salvation Army in Jamestown has been looking to relocate its Anew Center for the past couple years because the current facility doesn’t adequately meet the needs of the organization.
According to the Post-Journal, the Salvation Army is seeking to move operations to a new building that would allow for 19 staff and about 20 beds.
Because of confidentiality and safety issues with the victims who use the shelter, the specific location has not been publicly announced.
According to the Post-Journal, two town hall-style meetings have been held in Ellery to allow public input on the $2.5 million project. Some residents in Ellery have raised concerns about security and potential for violence with bringing a shelter to the area, but the Salvation Army has found the project site to be well-equipped for safety of the residents.
To bring the new center to fruition, a zoning change needs to be issued to allow for the support center. The Planning Board unanimously approved the change referral. A public hearing on the relocation will now be discussed today with the Ellery Planning Board.
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