Revised zoning would allow hotel at proposed track

HILLSVILLE, Pa. -- Mahoning Township supervisors have approved an updated zoning ordinance, which could pave the way for a hotel near a proposed racetrack site.
The main change in the ordinance is addition of commercial recreation as a permitted use in a mixed-use highway zoning district.
The ordinance changes U.S. Routes 422 and 224 to mixed-use highways. This designation allows controlled commercial development 400 feet back from the highway without interfering with residential areas.
Township Solicitor Thomas Leslie said the designation would allow development of a hotel at the site of a proposed racetrack near state Route 551 and U.S. Route 422. The site already was zoned to allow a racetrack but needed the mixed-use designation for a hotel.
Whether the racetrack becomes a reality depends on whether it is chosen by the state to receive one of a limited number of licenses.
Leslie said commercial recreation includes enterprises such as racetracks, golf courses, go-carts and paintball establishments.
He said that although these things were allowed in the township before, they were never separately defined. The revised ordinance defines the new category and imposes restrictions such as lot size, side-yard requirements, parking and sewage.
The revised zoning ordinance was prepared and recommended by the township planning commission. It becomes effective in 10 days.