Borough zoners approve tax, travel office on West Lloyd
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A home on West Lloyd Street is seen on May 15, 2024. A woman sought approval to operate a business in the lower level.
SHENANDOAH – A woman received approval to operate a travel and tax office on the first floor of her home on West Lloyd Street recently.
Tannia Solis sought zoning approval to operate the office in the first floor of 222 West Lloyd Street, a row home, and a hearing was held last Wednesday
Solis said she mainly intends to use the office for tax preparation by appointment, though she is also a travel agent and can provide those services as well.
She said her father is in the Shenandoah Manor and wants to have her business closer to home, previously being located in Philadelphia County.
One neighbor raised concerns about parking, which Solis said she purchased an empty lot closer to West Street which she hopes to use.
Zoning Chairman Charles Vascavage raised concerns about approving a business to be located in a residential neighborhood.
“When I was a child, there were little candy stores, little everything all over town,” Vascavage said. “As of this moment, there’s nothing. You would be the first to have a business in a residential neighborhood right now.”
However, several businesses currently operate in residential neighborhoods off Main and Centre, including West Street Pub.
Vascavage suggested passing the matter on to borough council for a decision.
“I don’t feel we should be the ones to determine what road we’re going to go down here,” Vascavage said.
“You’re the zoning board,” Borough Manager Tony Sajone said from the audience.
“He’s right, we’re the zoning board,” zoning board member John “Jack” Rooney said. “This is for us to decide and not for borough council.”
Rooney said Solis had all paperwork in order and that parking would not be an issue, if the business is operated by appointment only.
“I have no problem with people coming in, wanting to start a business,” Rooney said. “It helps the taxes get paid. This building is going to be occupied. You have to look forward, you can’t look back 50 years.”
“I’m not looking backward, I’m looking right now,” Vascavage said.
The two engaged in a brief argument.
“It’s not going to disrupt the neighborhood. She has a right to earn a living,” Rooney said. “I’ll make a motion right now to approve it. She deserves to have her office there and run a business.”
“It’s our job to approve it or disapprove it,” Rooney said. “This is good for the town.”
Rooney raised a motion to approve, seconded by Gary Hronec.
Rooney and Hronec voted yes, Vascavage voted no.
Borough Council voted to approve the variance as well at Monday’s meeting.
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