SHARON Board grants variance for new building

SHARON, Pa. -- The city's Zoning Board of Appeals has granted a variance to allow the construction of a multi-unit dwelling in a single-family residential area off East State Street.
Paul Miklos of Hermitage sought the variance with plans to build a three-apartment, ranch-style building between Service and Strawbridge avenues a block south of State Street.
Several residents of the area showed up at a variance hearing Tuesday to oppose the plan, suggesting that a multifamily unit isn't appropriate in that zoning district.
Some also expressed concerns about traffic and safety issues, said Frank Smeraglia, city zoning administrator.
The hearing board was also concerned about access to Service Avenue as the project plan showed three separate driveways, he said.
The board suggested that Miklos link the three units into a single driveway with just one curb cut on Service Avenue, but Miklos said that couldn't be done, Smeraglia said.
However, Miklos said that plan would work with a two-unit building because he could build it so the garages would be side-by-side, Smeraglia said, adding that the board agreed to grant the variance on that basis.
Miklos plans to rent the two apartments to retirees, Smeraglia said.