Unity to consider more restrictions on fast-food restaurants

Unity supervisors added zoning restrictions for fast-food and takeout restaurants to a proposal they will consider next month.

At a meeting Tuesday, solicitor Gary Falatovich said those types of businesses cause the same amount of traffic as gas stations, which were part of the proposed changes.

“It would be inconsistent not to eliminate other uses that generate the same amount of traffic,” he said.

If approved by supervisors at their 4:30 p.m. meeting May 14, fast-food restaurants and gas stations will not be allowed in the community commercial zoning district that lines most of Route 30 from Lewis Road in the west to Route 981 in the east.

Other portions of the township along Route 30 are zoned regional commercial, where the restaurants and gas stations will be considered a conditional use if approved.

Another part of the amendment details requirements for bed and breakfasts and electronic billboards.

Supervisor Mike O’Barto said the ordinance changes “just make sense.”

“We’re always looking to help small businesses, in reference to whether it’s signs or bed and breakfasts,” he said. “I think we’re doing the right thing.”

Supervisor John Mylant said that has to be balanced with preserving the way of life in the township.

“We want to protect what we have, too,” he said.

As the supervisors make their decision, they are also considering a plan for a Speedway gas station at the intersection of Route 30 and Village Drive, which was rejected last year.

The newest plan at the 4.2-acre property has added diesel pumps back into the plan but removed a connecting driveway to Frye Farm Road.

A hearing for the Enon, Ohio-based company is planned for 6 p.m. May 12 at the municipal building, 154 Beatty County Road, before another to discuss the gas station’s conditional use at 6 p.m. May 14.

Stacey Federoff is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-836-6660 or sfederoff@tribweb.com.