The Dalton Gardens City Council on Thursday unanimously turned down a nonprofit organization's request to open a federal prisoner residential re-entry facility.

Approximately 50 people turned out for the council meeting at City Hall.

Pioneer Human Services, of Seattle, appealed to the council after the city's planning commission rejected a request for a special-use permit to open the facility at 5648 N. Government Way. The building is now empty.

Marcia Wingfield, the city clerk-treasurer, said any appeal now would be to a 1st District Court judge.

The council held an appeal hearing on June 6 that lasted a couple hours.

Pioneer sought to run the facility to help federal prisoners, serving the end of their sentences, rejoin society.

The planning commission cited public-safety concerns, and city residents and business owners complained about the potential for decreased property values and for the felons to re-offend.

Pioneer wanted to house, monitor and provide services for up to 43 residents, all of whom would have been North Idaho residents before prison.

An on-site training facility also was part of the plan.