web1_110772345-1bf0c2a0a30e4ccc949f56b5fff7a58a.jpg

Clinton becomes first woman to clinch presumptive nomination

web1_Wilkes-Barre-Township-Police.jpg

Police: Debit card used to make unauthorized purchases in Wilkes-Barre Township

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; The Luzerne County Zoning Board unanimously denied a variance to a Courtdale towing business owner on Tuesday that would have allowed him to store more vehicles on his property.</p><p>John Roberts told the board that an increase in the number of vehicles temporarily stored at his business on Courtdale Avenue from 50 to 200 would provide an opportunity for business growth and would benefit the community.</p><p>The board had originally granted Roberts a variance in 2010 to store 50 cars.</p><p>Roberts said he utilizes about 2.5 acres of the 5-acre property and retains a 230-foot setback, which is wooded and tree covered, as directed by the board in 2010.</p><p>Several residents testified, including Mayor Dorothy Duesler.</p><p>Duesler told the zoning board a fence Roberts had erected around the property was not adequate to hide towed vehicles from those passing by the business.</p><p>Courtdale Councilwoman Debra Youngblood said the cars are visible from the roadway.</p><p>&#8220;People see a junkyard when they are passing,&#8221; she said.</p><p>Roberts said the purpose of the fencing was for security.</p><p>&#8220;It would have to be 30 feet high to make sure that you couldn&#8217;t see vehicles,&#8221; he said.</p><p>Courtdale resident Barbara Brennan, who lives in a property adjacent to the business, said the required fencing was in disrepair and that tarps attached to the fencing were torn.</p><p>Resident Frank Kodra said he was concerned about how the business is affecting the value of his home.</p><p>&#8220;I believe that this will mean depreciation of my property,&#8221; said Kodra. &#8220;I only live two blocks away.&#8221;</p><p>&#8220;Is this a salvage yard?&#8221; Brennan asked Roberts. &#8220;It would then need to meet additional standards.&#8221;</p><p>Eric Mahler, Roberts&#8217; attorney, said the business has not received any citations from the Department Environmental Protection or any other agency.</p><p>Roberts told the board that the business is open &#8220;24 hours,&#8221; and one other towing company does use the property.</p><p>Mahler asked Roberts if he had caused the &#8220;hardship&#8221; of not having enough room to store vehicles.</p><p>&#8220;No, I didn&#8217;t,&#8221; Roberts answered.</p><p>Mahler told the board that absent compelling evidence such variances are usually granted.</p><p>William Harris, zoning board member, disagreed saying there were specific requirements for a variance.</p><p>Harris, in voting against the variance, said that the board had considered all the circumstances, including the amount of vehicles and testimony of residents.</p><p>Following the decision, board Solicitor Michael Butera said Roberts could appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.</p><p>&#8220;I believe they are going to appeal,&#8221; said Butera. &#8220;They are already talking about it.&#8221;</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Luzerne_County-logo-use-this-one.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Luzerne_County-logo-use-this-one.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>John Roberts wanted to store up to 200 vehicles at Courtdale property</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Geri Gibbons</p><p>ggibbons@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Courtdale towing business denied variance to store additional vehicles at site