South Whitehall resident Dean Tibak expressed concerns to township commissioners at their board meeting regarding a group home in his neighborhood.

Although sympathetic to the troubled individuals and their need to have a place to live, Tibak is worried about the safety of his young children.

He fears having allegedly violent people so close to other homes in a residential setting.

“The cops are there a lot,” Tibak said, adding he saw one resident throwing chunks of ice at vehicles passing by and another smashing a house window.

Police Chief Glen Dorney said officers have made an arrest at the home but criminal prosecution is not an option.

Dorney reported a few other group homes exist in the township and often serve as a temporary transition place for folks.

Agencies operate the homes. If residents cause problems, they are moved to a more secure location, Dorney said.

Solicitor Joseph Zator commented on the matter.

“It’s tough to deal with this issue,” Zator said. “It’s considered unlawful if you preclude a group home in a residential setting.”

He also said federal law prohibits group home residents from being treated differently than other people.

“We’re trying to help within the confines of what we can do,” Dorney said.