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An Ordinance of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, authorizing Community Specialists Corporation to continue to use real property in the County’s South Park as a Respite and Wellness Center for healthcare workers and first responders.
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Whereas, Community Specialists Corporation is a leader in community-based behavioral healthcare services in the Pittsburgh region; and
Whereas, Community Specialists Corporation has had exclusive use of County-owned real property since 1982 including a one-story structure and four smaller out-buildings located at 2200 Sleepy Hollow Road, South Park, PA 15129 in the County’s South Park as an educational support center for at-risk youth; and
Whereas, Community Specialists Corporation wishes to continue to utilize the same property for the critical purpose of promoting mental wellness, recovery and resilience for the healthcare and public safety workforce including those with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), secondary traumatic stress (STS) substance abuse, among other challenges and conditions; and
Whereas, Community Specialists Corporation will be staffed with qualified medical director, program director, licensed therapists, case managers, and nurse practitioners, while collaborating with local healthcare, mental health groups, universities and first responder agencies to leverage resources and share expertise; and
Whereas, Community Specialists Corporation will commit significant resources to convert the property into facility that will feature comfortable accommodations that balance reflective private spaces with communal spaces including fitness areas, sound therapy areas, a full-service kitchen, and outdoor communal areas that foster connection and support. The adjacent Sleepy Hollow Run and pedestrian trail in the County’s South Park provide serene outdoor nature areas that promote relaxation and healing; and
Whereas, County Council believes that permitting the use of the County-owned real property for these purposes by Community Specialists Corporation will inure to the benefit of the citizens of Allegheny County; and
Whereas, Article IV, Section 2(k) of the Allegheny County Home Rule Charter vests County Council with the power and duty by ordinance to lease or permit the use of County real property.
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby enacts as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of the Preamble.
The provisions set forth in the preamble to this Ordinance are incorporated by reference as set forth in their entirety herein.
SECTION 2. Authorization to permit the use of County Real Property
A. Allegheny County Council hereby approves the continued exclusive use of real property located at 2200 Sleepy Hollow Road, South Park, PA 15129 in the County’s South Park by Community Specialists Corporation as a Respite and Wellness Center for healthcare workers and first responders.
B. The proper officers of the County are hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the authorization granted by this legislation.
SECTION 3. Effective Date.
The Ordinance shall become effective May 1, 2025 and continue until April 30, 2029. The ordinance effective date may be extended for one additional two-year term upon mutual consent.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Ordinance, which shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. Repealer. Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Ordinance.