PA- Former State Rep. Barred From Housing Sex Offenders

8-7-2008 Pennsylvania:

Marietta Residents Take Issue With 'Family' Living Situation

MARIETTA, Pa. -- A halfway house for sex offenders in Marietta is under fire and could be closed.

Former state Rep. Tom Armstrong opened his house to three convicted sex offenders.

Armstrong said he believes the sex offenders have become like a family. But debate is raging in the town on whether the arrangement meets the legal definition of is allowable.

“I see them as brothers. My wife and I have reached out to them,” Armstrong said. "We're all kind of in this thing together. Living together, eating together, doing a lot of things together."

But his neighbors said they aren’t comfortable with the men being convicted sex offenders.

According to borough code, his home is designed for a single family that may be defined as four non-related people.

The borough's zoning officer issued a cease and desist order to Armstrong to remove the offenders from the home.

He said they aren’t family.

“There's no connection between these men other than incarceration,” zoning officer Mark Harman said.

Some residents have also questioned Armstrong over the $100 per week he charges them rent.

"He has brought people in, really under the table and unannounced, and is charging them rent. And that's not what renting is all about," resident Wendy Codd said.

The zoning board ruled against Armstrong, effectively breaking apart what he calls his family.

The details of the decision won’t be available until the board releases its written report.

Armstrong said he plans on appealing the decision. ..News Source.. by WGAL.com