There is a south end house known for ghoulish Halloween decorations that has disconcerted some Trinity protective PTA moms for years. The house at 185 Pelham Road has had hanging corpses and bloody bodies in cages. Now it is undergoing a major renovation by New Rochelle Habitat for Humanity. This weekend West Point Cadets joined local volunteers in completely gutting the once charming but more recently derelict, slate-roofed cottage style house on the corner of Pelham Road and Mt. Etna. Click here for pictures from Saturday – http://www.habitatwc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=640&Itemid=88
Over the last month, neighbors rejoiced to see major dead tree limbs and healthy poison ivy vines removed and other visible changes to the yard. This is a welcome sight to the neighborhood; especially after a summer fire destroyed the house’s detached garage and badly damaged the siding of the next door house. Major renovations are going on inside the house as well.
Apparently, the family of five is now living in a hotel. The deserving family has a member with a long-term illness. The nearly adult children have been working side by side with the volunteers throughout.
On our recent visit the team was heavy on eager collegiate girls, but lacking in skilled tradesman. This is a shout out for any sheet rockers, electricians, and plumbers to call Habitat to volunteer to get this job further along. People experienced in spackling and taping would be a welcome addition to this hardworking team. More hands make for faster work so that this family can get happily restored back to their home. If you can help, please contact Habitat.
Info is here on how to volunteer — http://www.habitatwc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=59
Thank you Habitat and the team from the neighbors surrounding 185 Pelham Road! We really appreciate your work. By fixing up this one home, you are improving our entire neighborhood. This is a very visible home to southern New Rochelle and our neighborhood in particular.
Here are photos from Sunday —
Journal News picked up New Rochelle Habitat for Humanity Story
After our little local story ran here on the Talk of the Sound, the Journal News picked it up here:
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009911280343
I think the Journal News is coming to New Rochelle more often nowadays. Anyway it is a great charity and worth covering. Great job Habitat for Humanity.
BTW – the work is continuing. The family seems to be back in the house. It is a flurry of activity. Thanks Habitat and volunteers! I am sure they could use help over there. I see the lights on at night with trucks and workers, etc.
Thank You
As one of the son’s of this family. I would like to say thank you to habitat for humanity. These volunteers are something amazing. I know I speak for my whole family, when I say you all are a blessing from god.
Also, I didn’t know the PTA didn’t like my brothers Halloween stuff. I will make sure to tell him to tone it down abit, but thank to habitat, We are no long a haunted house.
Thank you all for the support.
Sincerely,
Vincent Nienstedt Jr.