Ferguson supervisors approve liquor‑license transfer for West College convenience store after public hearing

Ferguson Township supervisors voted unanimously Oct. 7 to adopt Resolution 2025‑22 approving a township action related to a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board transfer request for Dry Top Beverages, a proposed convenience store at 913 West College Avenue.

The decision followed a public hearing in which neighborhood residents urged the board to deny the transfer. "Adding a third outlet for alcohol purchase directly across the street from what will be some 500 college students along this already dangerous corridor is not prudent or safe," resident Rhonda Stern told the board, citing her measurement that the property line was about 1,700 feet from an existing establishment, short of the 2,500‑foot distance noted in the township ordinance as read into the record.

Township staff had noted the license on the agenda as ALID55012 and described the applicant's request as a transfer from a prior licensed location to the 913 West College site. Applicant representative Chris Summers said the plan would remove former gas pumps and environmental constraints and include a limited beer license to support a neighborhood convenience use, describing the request as a "six‑pack" license and stressing the project goal of increasing walkability and local access to everyday items.

Board members discussed the township's liquor‑license ordinance language during deliberations. Vice Chair Patterson observed that the ordinance uses discretionary language — "may" rather than a mandatory "shall" — meaning the board retains discretion on how criteria apply to a transfer. Several supervisors said the ordinance is older and could be revised to make objective criteria clearer for future applications.

Vice Chair Patterson moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑22; Supervisor Stevens seconded. The township manager called the roll: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Patterson, Supervisor Stevens, Supervisor Heller and Supervisor Strickland all voted "Yes." The resolution passed unanimously. The board noted approval would be subject to police department review and any operational conditions that arise from that review.

There was no change to land development approvals in the hearing; the board indicated site‑specific land‑use and operational controls would be considered later in the land‑development process if the project moves forward.

The PLCB transfer and the board's resolution are now part of the public record; the applicant must also complete any remaining administrative steps with the state board and comply with local public‑safety recommendations.