OGDENSBURG -- Step by Step, Inc. director David Bayne is hopeful Ogdensburg residents will visit 211 Ford Street for an open house to see how it operates and what it offers.

As Ogdensburg prepares for a Thursday town hall discussion regarding a proposed zoning law, Step by Step, Inc. is inviting the community to an open house Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The facility is located at 211 Ford Street.

The mental health services provider, which purchased the former Lincoln elementary school, has been at the center of debate regarding a zoning proposal that would establish a “district” comprised of former schools, churches and community buildings located in areas zoned for other purposes.

At recent city hall meeting many people raised concerns regarding any potential change of use at the former school building.

Bayne says he understands the concerns and wants to inform the public of what Step by Step does and gather input from residents about what they would like to see happen with the school building.

He says he has a lot of ideas about services that could be offered at the school ranging from respite care to drop in services. He also said there is potential for leasing space, job creation and even apartments, but nothing has been decided.

To help determine future uses, Bayne is hoping people will show up to the open house and talk about it.

“I am reaching out to residents in the area. I have sent them invites with my phone number. I would love to answer any questions they have,” he said. “I want to know what the community would be willing to see in (the former school building). I want to know what I can do to make them feel safer. I want to know what I can do to be part of their community and what I can do to make them part of ours,”

Ogdensburg planners and city officials are hosting a town hall style meeting regarding proposed zoning law Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Dobisky Center.

For more information on that meeting visit http://northcountrynow.com/news/ogdensburg-host-town-hall-meeting-discuss-controversial-proposal-rezone-36-parcels-throughout-c.