Public Hearing

Town of Greenville Public Hearing Minutes 09-6-23 www.greenvilleborough.com MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING MEETING OF THE TOWN OF GREENVILLE COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order Paul Hamill, Mayor 2. Roll Call: Paul Hamill, Mayor Linda Zuschlag, Deputy Mayor Tracy Beil, Councilor Anne Butcher, Councilor Jean Carr, Councilor Sean Hall, Councilor – via Teams Evan Hereford, Councilor Jasson W. Urey, Town Manager James E. Douglas, Solicitor Also present: Becky Savchuck Carol Saal Mike McLaughlin Julie Merritt Phil Merritt Josh Stephens Missy Alford Stephanie Williams Vince Marini Ed Taczanowsky Bill Sumners Rod Wilt Ellen Pardee Joel Rinella Rev. David Dobi Niki Knauf Frank Vanderslice Barry Omen Jim Mclusky Michelle Muller Gary Muller Staff: Media: Amy Hollowell, Administrative Assistant Earl Corp, Record-Argus 5. Public Hearing Rod Wilt commented he and his partners are investing in the Greenville area to keep pioneer businesses open. Their purpose is to keep businesses rolling and when Mr. Marc Rinella reached out to purchase his business, they understood the need for a liquor license to be profitable. He feels this is a great location and intends to eventually develop the building next door into a gathering space and eventually develop the space upstairs. Melissa Alford is an employee of the New England Tavern and spoke on behalf of the local bar owners. She stated everyone has been struggling to survive since COVID. Reading a prepared statement, she said now is not the time to add an additional license. Everyone is dealing with 1 Town of Greenville Public Hearing Minutes 09-6-23 inflation. This could lead to the closure of some establishments. She provided quota information from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board website. Ed Taczanowsky commented on the importance of additional venues attracting more people to our downtown corridor. He said Mr. Wilt and his group should be applauded for their efforts. Vince Marini said the Majestic is a staple and not going anywhere. He also asked for their business plan. Josh Stephens spoke as a resident and employee of two establishments. He has seen the industry change over the years. He does not disagree with the license but questioned if the second half of the building would be turned into a bar, as all establishments are struggling to stay open due to the decline in the market. Bill Sumners stated that we need to do all we can to encourage business downtown. He cited the Heritage Days Car Show, driving foot traffic that everyone benefits from. Whatever we can do to stop cars that are just passing through town is a plus. He encouraged the council not to pump the brakes on something that could be good for the town. Stephanie William commented that she is a strong supporter of small businesses, but there are three other establishments in town that are close to closing, and this would probably make them go under. She also stated her business is for sale if Mr. Wilt wanted to buy a bar. Nikki Knauff stated Greenville has well over the quota recommendations from the Liquor Control Board and suggested a BYOB option. Vince Marini addressed the Liquor Control Board recommendation, stating the area is oversaturated and adding another would go against the guidelines. Ed Taczanowsky asked if we were going to close down some of the bars that caused the oversaturation. Carol Saal, a lifelong resident of Greenville, said the Majestic is the perfect place, a staple of Greenville. She cannot imagine not having a beer with her hot dog. Ellen Pardee, representing Greenville Area Economic Development, spoke on the redevelopment of the Main Street Corridor. Kirk Jordan spoke of working in the Recovery Ministry and stated council should ask what does Greenville really need. It doesn’t start with a liquor license. Josh Stephens wanted to make sure Councilor Hall would be updated on the comments he missed, coming in late. Rod Wilt reassured the council that they never intended to harm neighboring businesses. He wants to see all of them thrive and do everything he can to bring growth to the town, thinking futuristically of making Greenville a destination. He reminded those in attendance that this is just the approval to apply for the license. Without a license, this is not a viable business. Vince Marini questioned not investing in the business without a license. 2 Town of Greenville Public Hearing Minutes 09-6-23 Melissa Alford questioned why there is already a dart league registered to shoot at the Majestic. 6. Adjournment Having no other comments or business before council, a motion by Councilor Butcher, Second by Councilor Carr, to adjourn the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m., Motion carried 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Jasson W. Urey Town Manager/Secretary 3