at first this article talks about a restaurant and retail shop...but the residents are voicing opposition to a distributor??? so which is it? why are they not opposed to the restaurant which will probably result in more traffic, patrons, and alcohol related incidents. i especially like this quote
Quote:
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He said that his parents have lived across from that property for 80 years.
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my oh my...how things have NOT changed in 80 years! maybe a restaurant and distributor is exactly what this town needs lol.
<b>PAXTANG
Rezoning request draws objections</b>
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
BY MARY KLAUS
Of The Patriot-News
For years, Paxtang residents didn't seem to mind that the former Dauphin Consolidated owned and occupied property in the 3600 block of Derry Street.
But now that the land has been sold, and Borough Council is considering expanding its commercial zoning to allow a restaurant and retail shop there, residents are voicing concerns.
Some residents, worried that a beer distributor could open on the tract, plan to have their say at 7 tonight when council holds its second hearing on the matter.
Elizabeth Grace of Camp Hill recently bought the property, then submitted an application for a Paxtang zoning hearing board appeal for a use variance. In that application, she proposed putting a beer distributorship on the property.
"I don't want to make any comments about it," Grace, whose family owns Olde Towne Beverage in New Cumberland, said when asked about her request for the variance.
The land is zoned commercial/office, Paxtang Borough Council President James R. Schmidt said during an informational hearing on the proposed zoning change.
Several neighbors of the property said they opposed changing the zoning, saying that restaurant and retail stores, including a beer store, would increase traffic and decrease their property values. Many said the area is better suited to offices.
"People are talking about what it would mean to have a beer distributorship there," said Brett Kern of 3666 Derry St. "This strikes at the nature of Paxtang."
He said that his parents have lived across from that property for 80 years.
"They don't want this [beer distributorship] across from their home," he said. "Our part of Paxtang is a forgotten part of the borough."
Former council member William Smith, who has lived at 3747 Derry St. for 66 years and has his law office there, said, "It's appalling to think of changing the zoning. Paxtang is a family community, and we want to keep it that way."
Glenn Dalton of 3654 Derry St. expressed concern because his three sons, ages 15, 12 and 10, play in the park across from the property.
"I can't imagine any community deciding it's best to put a beer distributorship across from a children's park," he said.
Dawn Deaner of 3661 Brisban St. said that the borough would get property tax from the land whether it's occupied by a restaurant and store, doctors' offices or townhouses. Doug Reynolds of 3623 Brisban St. said that "professional offices are a better use and bring better revenue."
Council members told residents that they are just looking at the proposed zoning change.
Resignations accepted:
In other action, the council accepted resignations from two of the three Paxtang Civil Service Commission members, Dennis Beaver and Mary Krautheim.
The council also accepted resignations from Paxtang Police Officers Scott Rupert and Jason Cleck.
In addition, the council voted to "opt in" to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, which replaces local standards with a state standard based of rules on how structures can be designed and what materials can be used.
By taking that action, the borough is agreeing to administer and enforce the building code. The law goes into effect this summer.
MARY KLAUS: 255-8113 or
mklaus@patriot-news.com