Businessman wants to open diner in West Penn
A look at the former Maggie’s Kitchen at 749 Penn Dr. in West Penn Township. A township business owner plans to reopen a restaurant at the site. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
A local businessman has hit a few snags in his attempts to open a diner in West Penn Township.
Walter Zlomsowitch, owner of K&K Oil in Lehighton, told township supervisors this week that he purchased the diner at 749 Penn Drive in July.
Zlomsowitch said he had an occupancy permit for the former Maggie’s Kitchen, and since he wasn’t changing the use or structure of the building, his idea was to make the structure stronger and safer for his patrons.
However, he said the township’s code enforcement officer stopped by one day and told him he needed to apply for a Uniform Construction Code permit, and then threatened him with a cease-and-desist order.
Zlomsowitch said he didn’t believe that was right, as he was only trying to add to the “integrity of the structure.”
Further, he told the board he was having a problem with the officer, and questioned whether it was political in nature.
“It’s not West Penn Township (that’s) holding me up,” Zlomsowitch said.
At that, Zlomsowitch said he would like the board to seriously consider replacing Lehigh Engineering LLC, or specifically one of its employees.
Board Chairman Tony Prudenti told Zlomsowitch that he understood his concern, and that the township was willing to work with him to see his project through.
“This board would like to see it happen,” Prudenti said. “I get your frustration.”
Zlomsowitch said he believes the officer has some kind of motive.
“I just get the impression there’s something else,” he said.
Rodd White, of Lehigh Engineering, the township’s engineering firm, explained the situation per the UCC Code.
“I looked at the plan,” White said. “One of the biggest things is it wasn’t stamped; it has to be.”
Zlomsowitch said the experience has left a rotten taste in his mouth.
“At this point, I’m tired of being harassed by him,” Zlomsowitch said.
White told Zlomsowitch he could assure him that the person he’s dealing with has no personnel vendetta against him.
Zlomsowitch said that while he doesn’t want a special favor, he also doesn’t want special enforcement either.
It was agreed that White, Zlomsowitch, and his engineer will meet so that Zlomsowitch may continue to update the diner.
Comments
Hmmmmm.....
Transparency is the key. You don't need to Hail Bradley, that is just silly. Listening to the voice of reason is however, highly recommended.
An over zealous inspector can really churn the machine, costing taxpayers in the end. We had this type of trouble in Franklin Township with Carl Faust. The voters implemented the solution, and changed the Township supervisors. Once Rod Green was removed the change took place almost immediately. The Faust ousted himself when his services were no longer provided. Problems solved. If the township gets rid of Robin Cressley, the old regime will be completely replaced with new people, ending the corruption cycle. By removing all incumbents, the complete corruption cycle is often dismantled.
Political favors are common in entrenched regimes. Selective code enforcement and abuses of authority are common place where transparency is lacking.
Gene, as someone who displays such hatred for the transparency I promote, I find your comments ill-advised and often prejudicial. You have every right to make them, but, if you look at it from the reader's perspective, it kinda makes you look bad. If that is not your goal, try reading a book or taking a course, or watching a few educational YouTube videos on anti-bullying. The community would be better served if you do. And governmental transparency will never be out of fashion.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley Sr.