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The city Zoning Hearing Board recently reinstated an expired variance it had granted last year to Groundhog Solar to establish an "outdoor showroom" on vacant ground in Juniata's central business zone -- the rules of which don't address such a use.
The renewal came a day after the city Planning Commission approved a land development plan for the project for owner Richard Flarend, whose showroom will be placed at the former location of a Pal-Mino's Pizza shop.
Flarend's variance expired because he didn't obtain a building permit for the project within the six-month deadline after the original approval by the Zoning Hearing Board in September 2022, due to issues that included financing.
"We didn't get our act together in time," Flarend told the board. "The problem is now satisfied."
"He's definitely well on his way," said Rebecca Brown, director of the Department of Codes and Inspections, referring to the Planning Commission approval.
Flarend will construct a sidewalk, place a bench and plant two street trees, according to the land development plan for the property at North Fourth Avenue and North Seventh Street.
There will be a shed on the property for lawn care equipment.
There will also be a small, gated parking area, accessible from the alley parallel to the avenue.
The showroom will feature only ground-mounted solar panels, mostly those designed for residential use.
Some will be low to the ground, some elevated to medium height and some high enough to be similar to pavilions, Flarend said.
The site is "unbuildable for anything else," said Flarend's consulting engineer Ken Szala of Lehman Engineers.
The company will need to arrange for installation of an electric service connection to a nearby utility pole, so that it can operate the solar panels that will be on display.
"Thanks for the sidewalk," said Planning Commission member Devin Saylor, in a reference to Flarend not asking for a sidewalk waiver, which contrasts to the project proposals of many developers.
Mirror Staff Writer
Willliam Kibler is at 814-949-7038.