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Residents warn against colocating human‑services programs in former Youngsville school; county says lease would be short‑term planning
Summary
A resident raised safety and liability concerns about a possible short‑term lease of the former Youngsville school for human‑services use and suggested that colocating services for vulnerable adults alongside Head Start or YMCA programs could pose risks; county staff responded the board is only considering a one‑year planning lease and has made no commitments.
A local resident raised objections at a Warren County work session to early planning that would place human‑services providers in the former Youngsville school, saying co‑location with programs that serve children could create safety and liability concerns.
The resident (identified in the transcript as Speaker 1) said that community members had discussed reports that "Forest Lawn Human Services" would be moved into the building and that other providers such as Head Start and the YMCA might also occupy space. The resident voiced concern about the mix of clientele, saying that, if services for people subject to restraining orders or supervised visits were colocated with Head Start, "you're not just putting [children] at risk."
County staff (referred to in the record as Speaker 2) responded that the current proposal under consideration was a one‑year lease intended only for planning purposes and that there were no firm commitments to place any particular provider in the building. "A 1‑year lease is for planning purposes. There is no... firm commitments," Speaker 2 said, urging that staff continue to research feasibility and options.
Speakers also noted that some Forest Lawn Human Services clients live outside the immediate area — in Randolph, Frewsburg and Kane — and that travel to centralized services could be a factor in siting decisions. Commissioners and staff agreed the discussion at the work session was exploratory and encouraged further public communication as options are developed.
No formal lease, motion or vote occurred during the work session; staff said they are continuing research and outreach and will return with more information if the county moves toward a formal lease agreement.
