Planning commission recommends special exception for flooring business at 8465 Airport Road

The East Allen Township Planning Commission on Jan. 8 recommended that the zoning hearing board grant a special exception for JLF Summer LLC to operate a commercial flooring business at 8465 Airport Road (parcel K5128A).

Attorney Eric Shock introduced co-owner Lorie Fina, who said she and her husband operate Coke Commercial Flooring and plan to relocate the business from Sumar Avenue. "We're not looking to set up a new business and say we think we'll have this, we think we'll have that. She knows exactly what's going to happen at this site," Shock told the commission. Fina described a warehouse-and-distribution operation that purchases and stores flooring materials and ships them to installation sites. "We have one box truck. We have two company vans, and a small trailer," she said.

Applicants told the commission there will be no retail walk-in sales, that the site has adequate parking for employees and vehicles, and that deliveries are usually by small box truck with larger tractor-trailer deliveries only a few times a year during busy seasons. The applicant said receiving hours would be limited (generally 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and that no hazardous wastes would be generated.

After applicant testimony and commissioner questions about parking, the on-site apartment and loading operations, Commissioner Joe moved to recommend granting the requested special exception "subject to the testimony that's been presented to the applicant today." The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote: Mr. Daniel, Mr. Heming and Mr. Mills voted yes (3–0).

The commission’s recommendation now moves to the zoning hearing board for a final determination; staff and the applicant said they will bring any additional information requested by the zoning board or by township staff in follow-up materials.