Zoning issues dominate Montrose Boro

Montrose Police Chief Dale Smith was presented a certificate of appreciation by Mayor John Wilson in recognition of Smith’s achievement of receiving the Lifesaving Award from the Lackawanna Police Academy. While on vacation, Smith was responsible for saving a small child involved in a water accident. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

BY STACI WILSON

Montrose Police Chief Dale Smith was presented a certificate of appreciation by Mayor John Wilson in recognition of Smith’s achievement of receiving the Lifesaving Award from the Lackawanna Police Academy. While on vacation, Smith was responsible for saving a small child involved in a water accident. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

Montrose Police Chief Dale Smith was presented a certificate of appreciation by Mayor John Wilson in recognition of Smith’s achievement of receiving the Lifesaving Award from the Lackawanna Police Academy. While on vacation, Smith was responsible for saving a small child involved in a water accident. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

Zoning changes and enforcement concerns received much of Montrose Borough Council’s attention at the Monday, Aug. 3 meeting.

Council plans to amend some parts of the zoning ordinance adopted in December 2012.

The current ordinance requires signs for home businesses to be no more than 1.5 square feet.

Councilman Craig Reimel said that is unreasonable.

A proposed change looks to increase the allowable signage to six square feet.

The current ordinance also views patios and decks differently, with different setback requirements.

The proposed change would make the setback for both seven feet.

In addition to those proposed changes, a mention of the Wyoming County Conservation District in the storm water and soil erosion control is proposed to be changed to Susquehanna County Conservation District.

Lathrop Street property owners, along with attorney Michael Briechle, discussed that same section and other zoning concerns with council at the meeting.

Briechle told council his clients lived in a residential section that was facing encroachment by an industrial-zoned business and a neighboring residential property with the same owner.

The attorney said his clients believed a driveway was being constructed to connect both properties. A Right-to-Know request filed with the borough failed to turn up any applications or permits for the work, Briechle said.

He also told council that work being done on the neighboring property is causing erosion and storm water drainage issues for his clients, and he provided council with photographs documenting the concerns.

Briechle asked the borough to enforce its zoning ordinance; council turned the matter over to Solicitor Marion O’Malley for further investigation. She said she would consult with the borough zoning officer.

Council was also set to hold a public hearing regarding a proposed unconditional use addition for the Tannery Place. Before the addition of a day care facility is added to the list of uses, the application process must be completed.

Councilman Sean Granahan said the requirement did not change council’s overall support – voiced at the July meeting – for a day care center to be added in the South Main Street property.

Paving bids for the Tannery Lot parking area were opened. Two bids were received. Council tabled the bids.

Borough council members also discussed making Cedar Street – running from Cherry and Chestnut – a one-way street, stating there is not enough room for two vehicles at the same time.

According to council members, an ordinance would be required to make the change, with a 90-day trial period after the one-way was established.

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