MARPLE TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) – It’s a saga that’s been years in the making. The buildings on the former Don Guanella School property, mostly located on Sproul Road, were once used as residential facilities for children with special needs and later for adults. The institution closed in 2015.

In 2021, the county purchased the property, claiming eminent domain. At Monday night’s Marple Township commissioners meeting, the original plan for the property was presented.

“The county specifically referred again and again to its intention to acquire the property for public purposes, citing public parks, open space and recreation,” said board president Joe Rufo.

Some people are concerned about the county council’s plan to potentially use buildings on the site for administrative offices and for residential mental health facilities for adults with persistent mental illness.

“I really think there has to be some place for these people, some kind of appropriate place for them, but not on this property,” Joy Schwartz said.

Some residents who spoke to CBS News Philadelphia said they are concerned the buildings are being used to house immigrants, but the county issued a statement on its website last month questioning that. The statement reads, in part: “The county does not plan to convert the Don Guanella property into a facility to house immigrants. There is absolutely no truth to this rumor.”

Monday’s meeting was scheduled for two hours, but lasted less than an hour when commissioners, at the public’s urging, voted early.

“From the township’s standpoint, the property has been reclassified as open space,” said township attorney Adam Matlawski.

Commissioners voted the way most attendees wanted Monday night, but now their sights are set on the next Delaware County Council meeting, which will be Wednesday at 6 p.m.