Like many others in our community, I've spent years fighting to protect my children and make sure my home is a safe sanctuary. Living in Williamsport, PA, I should not have to worry each night if my kids are safe playing in our own front yard or walking to the park. Yet, this peace of mind is under threat by a proposal that stands to disrupt the safety and serenity of our neighborhood.

The Transitional Living Centers, Inc. (TLC) is planning to convert the former Well Church at 522 Grier St. into a co-ed, post-prison residential facility. This property is not just any location; it is situated in an R2 Residential Zone, a place meant for families to thrive, not for transitional housing. It shares a direct boundary with a public children’s park and sits precisely on a primary school bus pickup and drop-off corner. With the facility's residents potentially unsupervised in the community during the day, our neighborhood's suitability as a safe space for children comes into question.

Our community, our homes, and our parks were not designed nor intended to support such a facility. Here in Williamsport, our neighborhoods should be sanctuaries, especially when they are in such close proximity to amenities that serve our children. The conversion of this property into a prison release center could possibly bring about safety concerns that could alter the fabric of our home lives.

We do not oppose the rehabilitation of individuals in need, but there should be appropriate places for such efforts, especially those that respect the character of existing residential zones. Dedicated facilities shielded from direct daily interactions with areas tailored for youth are better alternatives.

We urge the Williamsport City Council and the zoning authorities to carefully consider these aspects and the voices of the neighborhood’s residents. We ask them to deny TLC's request and instead propose alternative locations that do not compromise the safety and intent of our community zones.

By signing this petition, you're standing with concerned residents, parents, and property owners in Williamsport to safeguard our neighborhood's integrity and ensure it remains a secure refuge for our children. Stand with us for sensible zoning decisions that prioritize the well-being and safety of our families.