SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - The St. Joseph County Council voted Wednesday night to direct county commissioners to officially submit proposals for reopening Portage Manor, the shuttered facility that served disabled and mentally ill residents for over 100 years.

The resolution passed 6-3 after public debate over the future of the property, which has remained closed for two years.

Residents expressed frustration with the lack of a clear plan for the property’s future and worry the building will decay beyond repair. Councilman Joseph Thomas said he brought the resolution forward to preserve Portage Manor before further deterioration occurs.

The resolution specifically references a proposal from St. Thomas More Academy , which plans to restore the manor and convert it to a private Catholic

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