By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- Nearly every seat in city hall was filled as people in opposition and support of a zoning change at the former Lincoln elementary school offered testimony for nearly two hours.

Hoping to keep things civil, Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson reviewed the rules of public hearing. A uniform officer was also present.

Step by Step Inc. submitted an application to rezone the property as part of the city’s planned development district (PDD). This distinction would make the school part of a floating zoning district that would allow for non-residential uses of the property.

Step by Step is a non-profit organization that provides outpatient mental health services. Step by Step Director David Bayne has proposed moving the organization’s Ford Street location into the former school, which currently resides in a residential owned neighborhood.

The application includes plans for a housing component, but Bayne says the details of exactly how that would be implemented have not been worked out and would likely take place years down the road.

Residents opposing the zoning change expressed a variety of reasons ranging from “extreme fear” to decreasing property values.

Supporters said called for acceptance of those with disabilities and promised Step by Step would be a good neighbor.

“I’m not hear to condemn Step By Step. I’m here to oppose the location of Step by Step,” Ogdensburg resident Brenda LaRose said.

LaRose said she was afraid of having the non-profit located across the street from her home.

“This is an invasion of my privacy,” she said, adding that she would be afraid to leave her window shades up. “Extreme fear is a factor, which will prevent me from sitting on my front porch.”

Others in opposition were less focused on the cliental and more concerned with the character of the neighborhood and property values.

“I don’t fear mental illness,” she said. “This is not a debate about the value of mental health services.”

Shaver said her concern is that the facility simply isn’t compatible with a residential neighborhood.

Shaver also submitted a petition with more than 450 signatures opposing the zone change.

Constance Shannon-Harrell, a service coordinator at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center and Step by Step Inc., attempted to dispel what she said were rumors and myths about Step by Step.

She said claims that property values would decrease are unfounded based on research she had done. She said facilities like Step By Step tend to improve neighborhoods and would potential make the area eligible for grants.

Shannon-Harrell said Step By Step is also not sexual offender treatment program, and while the organization may help a mentally ill sex offender find housing, they would not be part of the day-hab treatment program.

An Albany-based attorney, representing Step By Step, Carlo A.C. de Oliveira, also spoke at the meeting. He said many comments made at the meeting were discriminatory in nature. He also addressed concerns regarding the sex offenders by pointing out that nine registered offenders live with in approximately 2 miles of the former school already.

City council did not act on the PDD following the public hearing as the proposed zoning change is under review by St. Lawrence County and city planners.

Planning Director Andrea Smith said the county would be meeting May 14, while city planners would meet May 18. Smith said it’s possible the PDD could be brought to the board it’s next meeting, but offered no guarantees.