SHARON

A Sharon businessman got permission from city council Thursday to go before the Sharon Planning Commission and the Mercer County Regional Planning Commission to ask for the rezoning of an area of the city.

Roy Atkinson, owner of Main Street Motors, 943 Thomas Ave., Sharon, told council he wants the area rezoned from institutional to central commercial so he can put up billboards. He said PennDOT won't allow the billboards until the area of Thomas from the Ohio line to Dickens Place is rezoned.

Atkinson said if the area is rezoned more businesses can move in and improve the tax structure for the city.

While more taxes might sound good to city officials, council members said they have reservations about one thing. The homes in the area.

If the area is rezoned, businesses will take over existing homes. Atkinson said there are about 14 homes on the street, and many residents are renters.

He said three-quarters of the area is surrounded by businesses already.

"I'm still more worried about the residents," Councilman George Gulla said.

Councilman Lou Rotunno said he's also worried about the residents. He said it's a well kept neighborhood.

Atkinson had to get permission from council to go before the planning commissions, and initially the motion was defeated with a tie vote. Gulla and Rotunno voted no while President Fred Hoffman and Councilman Raymond Fabian voted yes. Councilwoman Chris Outrakis was not at the meeting due to illness.

Fabian said residents of the area would have a chance to voice their opinions during in a planning commission hearing. He pointed out council's vote would only allow Atkinson to make a presentation to the committees, and in the end council would have the final say.

After some discussion, Rotunno changed his vote to a yes so Atkinson can make a presentation to the planning commissions. Gulla said he did not want to change his vote.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharonherald.
com