As a longtime resident of the greater Connellsville area, I have watched with concern the slow decline of our community since my coming of age in the late 1960s. Over the last five to 10 years, there has been a very obvious effort by city government, local organizations and individuals to turn this situation around.
There is no question that there is still a steep hill to climb, but very visible progress has been made.
Unfortunately, after reading the Fairweather Lodge article in the Sept. 22 issue of the Daily Courier, it is apparent that the old adage, "No good deed should go unpunished," is alive and true in Fayette County.
Local entrepreneurs Michael Edwards and Dan Cocks have invested $500,000 over the last five years developing a bed and breakfast and art gallery business. These entrepreneurs now are being told that the Fayette County Community Action Agency is going to locate a facility designed to house eight adults with "severe and persistent mental illness" adjacent to them.
The negative impact this facility would have on tourist/visitor-focused businesses is obvious. What isn't is how a county agency would make such a decision without first seeking the counsel of local residents and local government. Cocks and Edwards have understandably informed the community and the agency that if this plan is enacted, they will be forced to close and sell out. This agency's goal may be somewhat commendable, but is it worth the loss of two businesses in a community struggling to get back on its feet⢠My vote is no.
Mayor Judy Reed and Councilman David McIntire are right to oppose the group home and deserve the support of the community. Please make your views known.
Pat Foley
South Connellsville
