I received a letter that says someone intends to open a thrift shop on Mahoning within 500 feet of my property. It says that the business is being changed from "one purpose" to another. I have owned the property since 1986 and have seen different types of businesses come and go on my section of Mahoning. I have never received a letter before. Why is this different? I could see if it was yet another bar or party shop or perhaps an adult book store, but a thrift store? As far as I can tell the thrift store is going into a building that has been vacant. I just don't understand why things have changed this time around. It costs money to send out those letters and hold a hearing - I guess I am wondering why I wasn't asked in the past if other businesses could open.
These are just guesses, but I can think of a couple different scenarios.
- With the recent openings of other "problematic" thrift stores on Mahoning Ave. recently, (http://mahoningvalley.info/forum/index.php?topic=8237.0 http://mahoningvalley.info/forum/index.php?topic=8162.0 http://mahoningvalley.info/forum/index.php?topic=8079.0) maybe the city is enforcing rules that require notification of property owners that such an establishment is opening. I think I read on here that nearby property owners are supposed to be contacted and give permission for a thrift store to open in their neighborhood.
- Maybe the building had a different use before. (i.e. from "I" industrial to "M" Mercantile) And they need permission from nearby property owners to make this change.
- It could be a combination of both, or something else entirely.
:'( As a former Westsider, it's sad that the best we can do along Mahoning Avenue is get second hand stores. How many does that make now?
Sounds like there are local zoning ordinances which may not, in the past, been
completely enforced. With the complaints about the other thrift stores on
Mahoning Avenue, City Hall may be paying closer attention - at least in the
short term.
"The squeaky wheel gets the grease".
:)