State's sale of former youth development center to Islamic company in jeopardy

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — UPDATE 6 p.m.

An effort to stop the state from selling the former state juvenile detention center in Shenango Township took a huge step forward Tuesday.

The state Senate just approved a bill to block Hira Educational Services, an Islamic school consulting company, from buying the detention center.

Now the bill heads to the House.

Lawmakers are questioning Hira's financial past, including losing its nonprofit status in New Jersey, where it's based.

Hira hasn't returned calls for comment.

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Residents and several local leaders are calling on the governor's office to delay the sale of the former New Castle Youth Development Center to an Islamic educational company.

In an interview with Channel 11 News, Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-New Beaver Borough, raised concerns about Hira Educational Services of North America, saying the company has not responded to inquiries about its intentions for the property, has profits that are only a fraction of what it paid and lost its nonprofit status for failing to file paperwork in New Jersey.

For four years, the New Castle Youth Development Center has sat empty. But finally there's someone willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to move in. Still, residents and local leaders say plenty of problems exist and they want the governor to step in.

"I grew up here," Shirley Sallmen said. "We want something to come in out there that will bring jobs and tax dollars."

Rumors are swirling about what the 145-acre property could be used for.

"They purchased a $400,000 property and they had only $41,000 in annual revenue last year," Bernstine said. "Also, they had their nonprofit status revoked in the previous two years in New Jersey, which is very concerning."

Sallmen already organized two public meetings to discuss the sale. She's adamant that her issues with the sale are not tied to the company's religious affiliation.

"I didn't even know that in the beginning. I was just furious when I figured out it was sold and people here in New Castle didn't know anything about it," Sallmen said.

Messages left at Hira for comment have not been returned.

“If this was Joe Smith buying the property I would have the same concerns,” Bernstine said.

The sale is not expected to close until October. In the meantime, local leaders say they'll keep fighting for a different outcome.

Cox Media Group