The Granite Ridge property in North East may be used to house migrant children, but no plans are final.

In a statement to residents, a Granite Ridge representative wrote "Granite Ridge could serve an incredibly meaningful humanitarian role in caring for vulnerable children from outside the US, until they can be reunited with their families."

The full statement is below. It says the owners are exploring uses for the former Mercyhurst North East property, which was sold last year. No final plans have been made. 

Earlier in the day, when North East Township officials heard rumors of the possible use for the facility, they asked if it would be used for a migrant detention center.

Erie News Now has learned the Granite Ridge representative told them:

"I've been contacted about the rumor too. No detention center, we do have few larger users that have approached us over the past year. One of those has come back to us with some more interest, nothing imminent. Rumors are coming from a disgruntled former employee who is choosing to speak to one potential opportunity, and out of context. Again to reiterate we are not looking at a detention center."

Erie News Now is working to learn what sort of facility would not qualify as a detention center but would still house children from outside the U.S.

The announcement was first reported by the Erie Times-News.

This is a developing story. Stay with Erie News Now for the latest as it becomes available.