Vestal: Treatment center eyes former church buildings

From the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin:

By Vanessa Ebbeling • vebbeling1@gannett.com • Staff Writer • December 17, 2008

VESTAL -- A residential treatment center for women who are battling emotional problems and addiction is looking at a vacant church facility, Vestal town officials said.

Candlehouse, Inc., a Christian rehabilitation center that's connected to the Assembly of God church, is considering relocating from East Main Street in Owego to the former St. Andrew's Episcopal Church buildings on Mirador Drive.

The group will host a meeting for neighbors at 7 p.m. Monday at the church.

At a recent town board meeting, group president and executive director Richard Mecklenborg said Candlehouse needs more space for offices, food preparation and training programs to prepare clients to re-enter the world.

The church building and the community center, located across the street, were vacated after the parish withdrew from the regional diocese in November 2007.

The treatment center hasn't purchased either of the buildings, said the Rev. Karen Lewis of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, which owns the buildings. The properties are still being shown to interested parties she said.

Town Supervisor Peter Andreasen said the group provides an important community service and boasts an impressive track record. Nearly 90 percent of its graduates remain free of dependency.

Town officials are determining if the property will need a zoning change to accommodate the facility.

"If the town could find a way to make this happen without having the world jump down their throat, that would be good," Andreasen said.

If Candlehouse does acquire the properties, renovation plans could include converting community building into living quarters for clients. The church would be used for worshipping and house offices and classrooms.

Candlehouse can treat as many as 12 clients at once. Now, they are working with five people, officials told board members.

The facility is staffed around the clock and residents aren't permitted to be outside after dark. Only those who are deemed trustworthy are allowed to go for short walks alone.