Latrobe planning commission approves Adelphoi expansion

Adelphoi’s plans to build a gymnasium and separate classroom building at its campus in Latrobe took a step forward this week when the city planning commission approved the proposed land development plan.

Adelphoi, a supportive program headquartered in Latrobe, focuses on assisting abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families.

One building would be a 7,600 square-foot gymnasium. The other would be a one story, 10,900 square-foot building to house eight classrooms for a career readiness program that Adelphoi officials are in the process of developing.

“This is more than just a college-type thing,” said John Duwall, vice president of facilities at Adelphoi. “This is career readiness for electric work, and Latrobe kids would be a part of that program when they come here.”

Duwall said that the two buildings will blend in with the rest of the buildings on campus with the “same brick pattern and green roof.”

Johnstown-based CJL Engineering is getting permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Unity Township for the project’s stormwater plan, said Bill Patrick, a civil engineer with CJL Engineering. An agreement from a nearby property owner and council’s OK to vacate an alleyway is included in the plan.

Patrick said that the construction team would demolish a smaller building and eliminate some parking areas at the planned construction site. Parking would be reduced to 273 spaces, including staff and handicap parking.

He predicted that once the project begins, it will likely take about a year to complete.

“The service that Adelphoi provides is just fantastic,” said planning commission member Jarod Trunzo. “Getting a gymnasium is essential to development in every youth.”

City council could grant final approved at its next meeting on Aug. 14.