BEAVER TOWNSHIP Trustees lift ban on fireworks

The decision clears the way for construction of a fireworks store.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NORTH LIMA -- Now that Beaver Township trustees have lifted a ban on fireworks, B.J. Alan Co. officials will step up plans to build a facility here.
"We will be doubling our efforts to get this done," said B.J. Alan spokesman William Weimer. "We are gratified by the actions of the township."
After a brief public hearing Wednesday at the township administration office, trustees agreed the township's zoning regulations cannot prohibit something the state permits and regulates.
The decision follows a recent recommendation by the township zoning commission.
The fireworks company, based in Youngstown, has proposed setting up shop at a site off Market Street Extension. Earlier this year the company asked the township to revise its zoning regulations to eliminate the fireworks prohibition.
Weimer said the company still must obtain building permits and state fire marshal permits, but hopes to have the new facility in operation by May.
"We're holding our breath because that is a very aggressive time line, but that is our hope," Weimer said.
Background
B.J. Alan's Phantom Fireworks store, a 3,000-square-foot showroom at state Routes 46 and 11, was destroyed by fire in September. The store was opened before the fireworks prohibition became part of the township zoning code.
Earlier this month the township zoning commission sent a recommendation to trustees to change the township's zoning ordinance to eliminate the prohibition of fireworks.
B.J. Alan had asked the township to change zoning for the new facility, arguing the township prohibits fireworks while the state does not.
The company has also argued it is nothing more than a retail store and therefore should be permitted to operate in a commercial and/or industrial area.