Mahanoy Township zoners approve convenience store for former Grutza service station
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The former Grutza Service Station at 900 West Centre Street in Mahanoy Township on Feb. 8, 2023. A variance was approved to allow a convenience store to operate here.
MAHANOY CITY – A Lehigh Valley man’s plan to turn the former Grutza service station into a convenience store received zoning approval Wednesday night.
Ketanbhai Patel, owner of Mahanoy City Patel Property, LLC, appeared before the Mahanoy Township Zoning Board to request a variance to convert the service station at 900 West Centre Street into a convenience store.
A variance was required because the property is zoned C-3 Commercial, which explicitly prohibits convenience stores, Jonathon Biros, zoning officer, explained.
Questioned by zoning board solicitor Bill Burke, Patel said he planned to renovate the building, converting the garage bays and office into the store and plans to sell typical convenience store items — bread, milk, soda, etc., — he said. The station will still sell gasoline, as well.
He said the store would be open from 5am until 10pm.
When asked if he believed the use would be detrimental to the neighborhood, Patel said no.
No members of the public expressed opposition at Wednesday’s hearing.
The board approved the variance request 4-0. Present were members Ettore DiCasmirro, Jack Kelly, Lee Van Horn, and Michael Fetco. Tom Ward was absent.
According to the Schuylkill County Parcel Locator, Mahanoy City Patel Property, LLC, owned by Ketanbhai and Manishkumar Patel, purchased the service station from Cindy S. Grutza in December for $125,000.
The Patel’s company is based at 221 Mill Race Drive near Tatamy, Northampton County.
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