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Mercy Community Crisis Pregnancy Center seeks zoning approval to add limited medical services; board will rule next month
Summary
Mercy Community Crisis Pregnancy Center told the Reading zoning board it seeks to expand services at 921 Walnut Street to include pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, STI testing and prenatal care and requested removal of a prior two‑employee limit; the board accepted testimony and deferred decision to March.
Mercy Community Crisis Pregnancy Center asked the Reading Zoning Hearing Board on Feb. 12, 2025, for approval to expand services at 921 Walnut Street. Mercy requested that its previously approved counseling‑center use be modified to permit limited medical services — pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, STI testing and prenatal care — and sought removal of a prior condition that limited employees on site to two.
Debbie Stutzman, executive director of Mercy Ministries, testified that Mercy provides counseling, pregnancy and parenting education, supplies such as clothing and diapers, and referrals for prenatal care. Counsel Malin Boyer presented an offer of proof that Mercy’s present use was approved by the zoning board in 2004 with a two‑employee limit; the organization now anticipates up to six employees and asked the board not to impose a fixed employee cap.
Why it matters: The change would permit limited on‑site medical testing and prenatal care in a property previously approved as a counseling center. The board must decide whether the expanded services are consistent with neighborhood character and whether traffic, parking and operational changes would create adverse impacts.
Testimony and record
- Mercy described proposed hours of operation as 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and said it will not offer childbirth on site. Mercy’s representative said the center expects primarily small groups or individual clients and that many clients arrive on foot; Mercy also said it will provide classes and training including healthy‑relationship and parenting education.
- Mercy’s counsel argued the expanded services would not change the building footprint and would continue to serve the same community; counsel asked the board to find the expansion consistent with Mercy’s mission.
No members of the public testified in opposition; the board closed the hearing and said it will issue a written decision at the March meeting and mail it to the applicant.
Speakers on the record included counsel Malin Boyer and Debbie Stutzman (executive director).
