MARPLE TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) – It’s a story that has been in the making for years. The buildings on the former Don Guanella School site – located largely on Sproul Road – were once used as residential facilities for children with special needs and later for adults. The institution closed in 2015.
In 2021, the county purchased the property, citing eminent domain. The original plan for the property was outlined during Monday night’s Marple Township commissioners meeting.
“The county specifically referred again and again to its intent to acquire the property for public purposes, citing public parks, open spaces and recreation,” said board chairman Joe Rufo.
Some people are concerned about the county council’s plan to potentially use the buildings on the site for administrative offices and residential mental health facilities for adults with persistent mental illness.
“I really think there should be a place for these people, some kind of place that would be appropriate, but not in this building,” Joy Schwartz said.
Some residents who spoke to CBS News Philadelphia said they fear the buildings will be used to house immigrants, but the county issued a statement on its website last month disputing that. The statement reads in part: “The county has no intention of converting Don Guanella’s estate into a facility to house immigrants. There is absolutely no truth to this rumor.”
Monday’s meeting was scheduled for two hours, but lasted less than one hour when the commissioners, at the insistence of the public, voted early.
“From the council’s perspective, the property has been rezoned to the open space district,” said council attorney Adam Matlawski.
Commissioners voted how most attendees wanted Monday night, but now their sights are set on the next Delaware County Council meeting, which is Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Siafa Lewis
