‘Joshua House’ Proposed for Renovo

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Location Draws Criticism

RENOVO – A Jersey Shore minister wants to locate a faith based “sober” house in a St. Clair Avenue duplex in the west end of Renovo. Minister Albert Jones of Jersey Shore made a presentation on his proposed Joshua House before borough council earlier this month. He said the facility would serve Renovo area men ages 18 and older, those who may need help with alcohol and drug addiction.

Some of those at last week’s council meeting expressed concern about the location’s proximity to the nearby Western Clinton County Recreational Authority’s youth center. It was decided to hold a community meeting April 6 at 6 p.m. at the Renovo Fire Hall on the proposal. Meanwhile criticism has come in a letter to the Record editor from James “Butch” Knauff, a director at the Recreation Authority’s youth center. Knauff outlined a number of concerns about such a home near the youth center and said it was his responsibility as a youth center director to protect members “from dangerous and criminal activity that occurs” within such facilities.

The structure is located at 214-216 St. Clair Avenue. Jones and his wife Gia purchased the building in June of 2014 from Larry Rooker Jr., the price $4,500. Jones said he was part of Soldiers for Christ Ministries and that God had sent him to Renovo.