Solicitor reports progress on zoning cases for properties on East Baltimore Avenue and 500 Broadway; coffee-shop special exception scheduled

Solicitor McLean told council on June 17 that the borough continues to engage with the owner of properties at 9–11 and 15–17 East Baltimore Avenue over code enforcement and proposed uses. The owner has a land-use attorney, Tim Sullivan, and recent court-ordered meetings between the parties were described as “somewhat productive.” McLean said he sees “glimmers of hope” that proposed uses may be consistent with the borough’s zoning ordinance and that a zoning hearing is scheduled in June.

Separately, McLean reported an application for 500 Broadway. He described a small white building at the front of the property that the owner seeks to use as a coffee shop that would require a special exception in the industrial district; the owner proposes a coffee grocery in the rear area that is a use by right. McLean said the front building’s requested use will be on the zoning calendar in June for anyone interested.

The solicitor said borough staff will follow up with code enforcement and the owner’s attorney; council was advised of the pending hearings and enforcement history for the properties.