The Post-Journal reports the board voted 3 to 2 Thursday against the Salvation Army’s petition to change zoning, which was required in order for the project to move forward. With the rejection, the establishment of a New York state certified domestic violence support center and refuge was also declined.

The post-journal says many residents who attended the meeting were against the establishment of the support center because of fear. Some domestic violence survivors even spoke out against the creation of such a center because of the potential dangers that would follow.

The proposed shelter would have allowed for 19 domestic violence victims to seek safe harbor. Prior to being defeated by the town board it was approved by the Ellery Planning Board and the Chautauqua County Planning Board.

The Salvation Army has been searching for 15 years to relocate its domestic violence shelter, which is currently in the city of Jamestown, due to the current facility being inadequate to meet the needs of the victims being served.

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.