Pottsville’s Zoning Hearing Board once again denied an application for a variance to open a convenience store at the former Candles & Collectibles store on W. Market St. Wednesday night.
Following nearly four hours of testimony and questioning, the board voted unanimously, 4-0, to deny Raman & Jass Inc. a zoning variance for the building the company purchased in early 2024.
The principals of the company, Sinarjit Sooch and his son, Mohit, altered plans they originally brought to the same board – albeit with nearly an entirely different set of members – in July 2024.
Gone were the plans to include Pennsylvania Skill machines inside their proposed store. And Mohit Sooch said there were plans to demolish a deteriorating 4,000 square feet at the rear of the property that runs along West End Ave. to build an off-street parking lot to service the store.
The Sooches said they planned to sell tobacco and vape products, cold drinks, sandwiches, Pennsylvania Lottery games, and the usual trappings of a convenience store. They also pointed out some property improvements they’ve already made, including the addition of siding on the building and the construction of a new sidewalk along 19th St.
Their variance sought an exemption from the zoned residential area where the vacant building is located. The former gift shop which was originally a hardware store many years ago straddles the border of a zoned commercial district just to the east across 19th St.
Residents who live near the proposed store once again turned up en masse at Wednesday’s hearing to voice their vehement opposition to the plans. They argued that the store’s presence would sully their residential neighborhood and that there are already a convenience store (Brok-Sel at 16th & W. Market streets) and grocery store (in the 2200 block of W. Market St.) nearby.
The neighbors also expressed concerns with the ownership group. The Sooches also own a convenience store at 1000 W. Market St., the former Six Pack Shack (for people of a certain age). They were worried, despite assurances from the Sooches, that this new proposed store would be filled with Skill machines, have garish signage in the windows, and possibly attract the wrong elements to their neighborhood.
Concerns over parking and increased traffic were also raised during testimony at Wednesday’s hearing.
The Sooches said following Wednesday’s marathon hearing session that they’re considering an appeal of the Zoning Hearing Board decision to the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Plans for Convenience Store in Yorkville Denied By Pottsville Zoning
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