Open Space board urges council to reject Saint Scholastica pre-application, cites irreplaceable site near Old Town Erie

The Open Space and Trails Advisory Board voted to finalize a letter urging the Erie Town Council to reject the Saint Scholastica pre-application, saying the property offers unique, irreplaceable amenities near Old Town.

"OSTAB has concluded that the unique location amenities of the site are irreplaceable and cannot be found elsewhere in Erie, particularly close to Old Town," the board’s chair said, recommending the pre-application "be rejected and not proceed further." The board agreed to place that recommendation at the top of the letter and repeat it near the end so council and the public see the position plainly.

Board members said they plan to offer one or more alternative options to preserve open-space values, but emphasized any recommended acquisition, parcel split or housing solution would require planning-department feasibility checks. The board committed to completing the investigation and presenting options during the second quarter.

Council liaison John Morlaro told the board the change in town management does not alter the board’s process: "On Feb. 17 the council voted to terminate Town Manager Malcolm Fleming's contract. Meredith Muth is the acting town manager while the town recruits a replacement," he said, later adding that recruitment could take "four to eight months." The liaison’s update was informational; the board did not take separate action on town staffing.

Members also warned that protracted delays could invite other applicants to submit proposals and that elected-composition changes after the November town election might alter council responses. Staff said the revised letter will be posted and transmitted to the clerk’s office for council packet inclusion.

The board’s recommendation is advisory; the town council will consider it as part of its standard land-use and referral process.