Union City schedules Sept. 16 hearing on zoning changes to regulate ‘redemption games’

Union City Borough will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at First Global Methodist Church, 42 East High Street, to receive public comment on a proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 1118.

The posted agenda says the amendment would "provide for definitions and regulation of permitted use zones for redemption games, otherwise known as games of skill; adding Section 701.04 to provide for use of accessory structures on adjoining lots; and provide a repealer, severability and effective date," language that frames the subjects for discussion at the hearing, the agenda notes.

Why it matters: The ordinance language targets two discrete items: how the borough will define and regulate so-called redemption games (often described as games of skill) and the rules governing accessory structures on neighboring parcels. Both items change zoning code language and would alter the set of permitted uses or conditions for structures if the council adopts the amendment after the hearing and any subsequent steps.

The posted agenda invites "hearing of the visitors" regarding the amendment, indicating the borough will open the floor for public comment at the meeting. The notice also lists adjournment as the concluding item on the agenda.

No motions, votes or staff reports are recorded in the posted notice. The hearing notice itself provides the primary detail available about the proposal, including the ordinance number and the explicit subjects to be discussed. Any formal action, amendment text, or vote will be recorded only at the public meeting or in subsequent official minutes or ordinance documents.

The borough posted the hearing notice on its agenda; residents and businesses affected by zoning changes may attend the meeting in person to comment or request further information from borough officials.