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Autistic Boy's Family Resists New GetGo Driveway

POSTED: 3:26 pm EDT July 13, 2006
UPDATED: 4:07 pm EDT July 13, 2006

A Richland Township family said they aren't fighting a new GetGo that is slated to be built across the street from their house on Grandview Drive.

But the Fettermans do stand opposed to the position of the gas station's driveway, which would be located feet from their home -- and according to them, would be a big problem for their autistic 10-year-old son.

Justin Fetterman is one of three triplets, with an older brother. His parents told Channel 4 Action News reporter Marcie Cipriani that he can't speak, has trouble walking because of cerebral palsy and requires constant care.

"As a mother, it's hard for me to think of what he's going to face," Kathy Fetterman said. "He can't even communicate with us. He can't tell us if he's scared."

Justin spends a lot of time in the family's yard, which has been fenced in for his protection. The Fettermans said they spent their retirement money on a pool for his therapy.

Since he grew up in the house, the Fettermans say it's where he feels safe -- and leaving is not an option.

But they think the boy's security is at risk, because the GetGo will be built across from his bedroom. He'll be able to see it from his window and hear the traffic and noise 24 hours a day, they say.

Kathy Fetterman said Justin is agitated by unfamiliar people.

"Being an autistic child, he has no concept of danger at all," she said. "He could run right to a car and not even realize that is a moving vehicle."

Instead of traffic entering and leaving GetGo from Grandview Drive, Kathy Fetterman wants access to be restricted to Route 8.

Giant Eagle representatives told Cipriani that they have tried to work with the family as they prepare for the new GetGo to be built.

In a statement, the company said it offered to move the Fettermans' driveway or relocate the family, but the Fettermans have declined.

The Fettermans said moving would be too hard for Justin. They also said Giant Eagle isn't offering them a comparable home.

As for the driveway, the Fettermans said Giant Eagle wants to cut it through their front yard -- which wouldn't stop the constant noise that will scare their autistic son.

Plans for the GetGo are expected to be approved by township supervisors, possibly on Wednesday.


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