Union City holds brief public hearing on proposed zoning amendment regulating “games of skill”

Union City Borough held a public hearing Sept. 16, 2024, at First Global Methodist Church to present and receive comment on a proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance #1118 that would define and regulate permitted use zones for "redemption games," commonly described in the minutes as games of skill, and add Section 701.04 to permit the use of accessory structures on adjoining lots. The hearing was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Councilor Cross.

The minutes list Councilors Cross, Osborn, Steadman and Kerns as present and note that Joyce, Winkler and Uber were absent. Solicitor Tim Wachter and Constituent Services Representative Kim Tuszynski were recorded as officials present. The stated purpose of the hearing was to provide information and receive public comment on the proposed amendment, including a repealer, severability clause and effective date; the minutes do not specify the effective date or the content of the repealer beyond that intent.

According to the minutes, no visitors were present to offer public comment. After the presentation of the ordinance language and the chance for comment, Councilor Steadman moved to adjourn the public hearing; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion, and the hearing was adjourned at 6:09 p.m. The minutes do not record a formal vote on the ordinance itself or next procedural steps such as scheduling additional hearings or council action.

The proposed amendment would establish local definitions and regulatory limits for businesses operating redemption games and would add rules allowing accessory structures to be used on adjoining lots; the minutes do not include legislative findings, proposed zoning maps, or specifics on which zones would permit the activity. No public testimony or objections are recorded in the minutes.