Council readies zoning hearings for service station, salon and Prospect Street rezoning

Red Lion Borough staff and Council used the Aug. 5 work session to review several pending zoning matters and to urge public involvement at upcoming hearings. Dan Shaw said the rezoning of 20 E. Prospect Street from Industrial to Residential Town will appear on next week’s agenda to allow creation of townhomes.

A Special Exception application from Cheema Ranvir LLC for a service station/convenience store at 675 S. Main Street (formerly Anthony’s Affordable HVAC) was discussed; the Planning Commission recommended approval and asked the Zoning Hearing Board to consider restrictions such as hours of operation and tanker-truck deliveries if neighbors provide input. Council members were encouraged to attend the Zoning Hearing if they had concerns.

Earlier in the evening property owner David Thompson described his request to add a “personal services/salon” use to 201 S. Charles St., Unit 4, where he already operates photography, music lessons and podcast services. The Planning Commission recommended approval but strongly advised Thompson to resolve off-street parking before the Zoning Hearing; Borough staff reminded the group that the Zoning Ordinance requires off-street parking and that without it a Special Exception may have to be handled as a variance.

Council did not take a formal vote at the work session but indicated items will be scheduled for public hearings so the Zoning Hearing Board and Council can hear public input and determine whether conditions (for example, limits on hours or delivery methods) are needed.