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Commission recommends resale shop 'Thrift Tea' at 123 East 9th Street to city council
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval to city council of a special‑use permit for a resale shop (Thrift Tea) at 123 E. 9th St.; applicant Karen Herin said proceeds will fund subsidized mental‑health services and donations will be pre‑arranged and evaluated.
The Lockport Planning & Zoning Commission on May 13 voted to recommend to city council a special‑use permit for a resale shop to operate at 123 East 9th Street.
City staff (Alyssa) presented the application by Thrift Tea, noting the first‑floor commercial unit is in the C4 Downtown Commercial district, the parcel is roughly 3,800 sq ft, and the operation will be confined to the leased space with basement storage available. Staff said proceeds from the shop will subsidize mental‑health services for people who cannot otherwise access care.
Applicant Karen Herin told the commission Thrift Tea is a board‑run nonprofit; all proceeds go to support clients who cannot afford mental‑health care, and the organization evaluates donations before acceptance, schedules pickups for large items and does not allow unattended drop‑offs. She said the store will be open Tuesday through Saturday during normal business hours and emphasized prior experience operating a similar location.
Commissioners asked about hours and donation logistics. One commissioner praised the concept and said they supported it. There was no public testimony. The commission closed the hearing and voted to adopt findings and recommend approval to city council (roll call: Quinn yes; Calderon absent; Peters yes; Lyens yes; Mechek yes; O'Hare yes; George Eddie yes). The item will proceed to the committee of the whole and city council on June 3 for final action.
