Blair County Planning Commission members Thursday gave a favorable review to Sheetz Inc. plans to construct a Sheetz Shwellness Center at 5800 Sixth Ave.

The proposed project is to perform a complete interior renovation of an existing building to create a wellness center for routine medical appointments, physical therapy and behavior consultations for Sheetz employees. The project also includes some exterior improvements as well.

The building was originally constructed in 2001 for a Kopp Drug Store and was renovated in 2016 for office use.

Socie returning to planning commission

Meanwhile, commission members approved a memorandum of understanding with the Blair County Commissioners to transition Sherry Socie from the commissioners office to the planning commission office and to cover the commission’s costs of benefits in the amount of $2,710.22.

Socie, who had served as the commission’s strategic planner, resigned in August to accept the position as the county’s chief clerk. However, in early October, she said she was resigning that position, effective at the end of October, and will return to her position at the planning commission.

Commissioner David Kessling praised Socie at Thursday’s meeting.

“You have a gem, it doesn’t matter where she works, she puts forth 100% of her time and is dedicated to Blair County,” Kessling said.

Commissioner Amy Webster said the commissioners hope to hire a new chief clerk by the end of November. Socie will split her work between the two positions until the end of November.

In other action, commission members gave a positive review to Hollidaysburg Borough’s proposed rezoning amendment for the area of Newry Street, Porter Alley and Hetherington Alley. The area is currently zoned residential/business and the proposed amendment would rezone the area to limited industrial.

Commission members also agreed to begin the application process for money for an emergency services study.

The current update of the hazard mitigation plan will be calling for a study to be undertaken by the state Department of Community and Economic Development on sustainability of the emergency services throughout Blair County. The study likely will be undertaken at no cost to Blair Planning or the local jurisdictions, said David McFarland, county planning director.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.