Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Variances topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board denies variance to reopen auto repair shop at 1016 Rear River Street
Summary
The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board denied a variance 3–0 to allow an auto repair shop and state inspections at 1016 Rear River Street, finding the application did not meet required variance criteria and that the prior garage use had been discontinued.
The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board on Aug. 2025 voted 3–0 to deny a variance that would have allowed an auto repair shop with state inspection services at 1016 Rear River Street.
The decision matters because the property is in an R‑9 residential zone where vehicle repair is not an allowed use; neighbors and a zoning witness argued the application failed to meet the five statutory variance findings required under the city zoning ordinance.
Anna Gonzales, speaking for her husband David Paramo, told the board the site was formerly Gavin Auto’s and that the applicants want the variance reinstated so they can renovate and resume vehicle maintenance and state inspections. Gonzales said the garage is a three‑car building with parking front and rear and that the planned hours would be roughly 9 a.m.–5 p.m., five days a week. She said the applicants planned primarily mechanical work and minimal overnight outdoor vehicle storage.
Multiple neighbors opposed the request. Joseph Abod (testifying as a resident) cited the zoning ordinance’s five variance factors and argued the application “does not address any of the five requirements,” saying the property already contains a house‑like building and therefore does not show the kind of lot irregularity or hardship those criteria require. Abod also pointed to section 9.2(c) of the zoning ordinance, noting the record shows the nonconforming garage use had been discontinued for at least five years and therefore the property must conform to current R‑9 uses. Other neighbors raised concerns about on‑street parking congestion on the 1000 block of River Street and said the garage would alter the residential character.
Board members discussed the legal distinction between dimensional and use variances and noted the applicants were seeking relief to allow a use not listed in R‑9. Board member John Gattens said he found the applicants sincere but concluded the change would alter neighborhood character and voted no. Member Mr. D'Antona announced he could not vote because he had not been present at the prior hearing, and members Welby and McDermott also voted no. The chair announced the application was denied by a 3–0 vote.
The board’s denial closes this application unless the applicants submit additional evidence or file an appeal. The board record includes testimony from the prior hearing, which the board incorporated into tonight’s record.
