As far as Marple Township is concerned, the former Don Guanella property has been rezoned for open space use, according to township solicitor Adam Matlawski.

That’s despite a more recent Delaware County proposal that buildings at the former Don Guanella school could be a residential mental health facility, writes Siafa Lewis and Sean Tallant for CBS News Philadelphia.

“The county specifically referred over and over again its intention to acquire the property for public purposes, citing public parks, open spaces and recreation,” Marple Board president Joe Rufo said at a Monday, April 15 meeting.

Delaware County purchased the property in 2021 initially for use as a county park, but the county is also looking to fulfill a Pennsylvania mandate requiring it to provide mental health services for its residents.

 The school’s former buildings, once residential facilities for children, and later adults, with special needs, were suggested as a possible location, prompting pushback from some residents. 

The buildings are mostly located off Sproul Road.

Its expected Delaware County Council will take up the issue at its Wednesday, March 17 meeting at 6 PM.

Read more about the Marple Township reaction to the use of the former Don Guanella property at CBS News Philadelphia.