The Zoning Hearing Board in Pottsville says it needs more evidence of a supposed agreement with another property owner before it makes a decision on a proposed disabled veterans home in the city.
The owner of a former Catholic school building at 619 Mahantongo St. in Pottsville took his case for zoning variances before the board once again last week. Last year, Sinan Ozbeyl was denied by the same board when he proposed transforming the school building into 12 luxury apartments.
This year, Ozbeyl has partnered with Keystone Landmark Developer Corp. on a plan to transform the property to house disabled veterans.
At a hearing last Thursday, Ozbeyl was represented by Alycia Basile, of Eternal Light of Hope in Mankind, an organization that seeks out housing projects like the one proposed in Pottsville to help disabled vets.
Basile told Zoning Hearing Board members that the plan is to house 12 disabled military veterans and provide basic services like prepared meals and other health services.
The project would likely cost about $1.1 million.
If approved, Basile said the property at 619 Mahantongo St. would be a “sanctuary for senior and disabled veterans.”
“We believe this is a positive impact on the community,” Basile said.
The proposed project received a reaction that could be perceived as ranging from lukewarm to positive but a major hang-up came with the proposed parking for the facility.
Ozbeyl owns properties across the street at 610 and 612 Mahantongo St., as well as a parcel labeled as 0 Sixth St. Some of the parking for this proposed project would be there.
However, board members were concerned that in order to access the parking lot, it would require crossing over another person’s property to access them.
Ozbeyl said he has an easement in place to allow his access to the parking lot – specifically in a deed – but did not bring that evidence with him to the zoning hearing last week.
Without that evidence in hand, Zoning Hearing Board members told Ozbeyl they could not make a decision on his request for variances.
Speaking to a friend also representing Ozbeyl, board member Mary Ann Conway said, “When he makes representation without supporting documentation, we’re stuck.”
Last Thursday’s hearing was continued until August, when a decision on whether or not to grant the use and parking variances Ozbeyl is seeking will likely be rendered.
ALSO READ:
Developer Taking Second Shot at Zoning Variances for Former Pottsville Catholic School Building
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...