DelCo Town Approves Home Becoming Temporary Dwelling For Cancer Patients After Neighbors' Opposition
SWARTHMORE, Pa. (CBS) -- Swarthmore borough has given a unanimous yes vote to allowing a Delaware County home to serve as temporary housing for cancer patients.
Cheryl Colleluori will be welcoming out-of-town cancer patients in need of a place to stay during their care at local hospitals.
The seven bedroom home at 200 S. Chester Road in Swarthmore would serve as free temporary housing for at least seven patients and a caregiver.
"There are approximately 195 families a month in search of housing in an effort for life saving measures."
Cheryl runs the nonprofit Headstrong Foundation in memory of her son Nick, who was 19 when he passed away with cancer. "He's smiling down on me today," said Colleluori after the decision was made on Monday night.
Swarthmore Borough had granted approval for the accommodation, but concerned neighbors said not so fast, and filed an appeal. The hearing was held on Monday night to put the issue to a vote.
"The whole thing doesn't sound well thought out to me," said John Coldiron, who opposed the house serving as a temporary dwelling for cancer patients. Coldiron lives a few doors down from the home and worries about increased traffic and the safety of those who would be staying in the house.
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"Additional traffic here would not be welcomed," he said. "We have nothing against cancer patients, but they should be in a place which is adequate for their care."
Other neighbors welcomed the home.
"Many people are looking forward to volunteering here and looking forward to it being part of the community," said Cheryl. "We're hoping for a favorable ruling."
That favorable ruling happened.
Jim Byrne, the attorney for opposing neighbors said "parking was a concern, increased traffic with special needs." Neighbors were also concerned with property values being impacted. As many as 23 residents were represented by Byrne.
Borough stipulations require parking plans for the home, handicapped accessibility and other measures
The Colleluoris will close on the property next week and hope to have the home up and running by March of next year.
