Controversial Domestic Abuse Shelter Approved In East Norriton: Report

EAST NORRITON, PA - A controversial proposed domestic abuse shelter in East Norriton has been approved by the zoning hearing board, according to a report.

The Laurel House was trying to move from Norristown to the St. Titus R.C. Church rectory but faced stiff opposition from local residents who feared the shelter would harm their property values and change the nature of their neighborhood.

“This group shelter will disrupt the safety, calm, and quietness of our neighborhood and unfortunately define our area forever,” anti-shelter organizers wrote on EastNorriton.org.

The Laurel House was unanimously approved by the three-member board, according to the Times Herald.

A short round of applause came from the crowd when the decision was announced, the report states.

Describing domestic violence as a “cancer,” board members noted it would send the wrong message to say “yes, but not in East Norriton,” the report states.

In 2013, Laurel House said they provided 5,926 hours of shelter to 196 battered and endangered women and children.