Kunkletown General Store owner talks about township plans

Rachel Weidman, co-owner of Kunkletown General Store, voiced her concern on the potential township plans that would not permit vehicles in the area adjacent to her business.

“Our community uses this space, not just for customers, but other needs: Parking for fleets of worker trucks, Blue Ridge, PPL and utility trucks wouldn’t have anywhere else to go without this space.”

Bus drivers rely on the using this area in cases of inclement weather as well to make sure students get home safely.

“If the buses can’t get the kids home in bad weather, as long as they have an OK from the parents, they will do a drop-off here.”

Weidman has expressed concerns to the Eldred Township supervisors, asking that they consider all the benefits of the area’s current usage.

“The plans have been going on for two years, and they have constantly been changing proposals.”

“We want to make a nice downtown area, but we need them to compromise on the parking in this area — we have for the last 25 years taken care of the parking, fixing the potholes, plowing, cindering, we’ve taken care of that,” she said.

“I don’t want to fight with the township, I just want them to listen to us. We’d like to know all of the projections and have clear communication.

“We have plans to meet again with (Eldred Township Chairman) Gary Hoffman to understand these questions, give clarity to the situation at hand, and propose a plan that benefits the community as a whole while supporting a vital business,” Weidman said.

“As a small community and a business, teamwork is very vital to be successful, and I can’t stress that enough. You get a whole community that has nothing but teamwork and helping each other out, you have success — and I haven’t been here for 30 years without knowing this.”

Kunkletown General Store opened in 1990. The original structure was converted from an old warehouse to a full-service general store. Weidman brought new offerings into the area, such as soft ice cream and a deli. The store now even includes a catering and flower business.

“We grow with the changes; we know that in order to stay afloat, you have to make the great changes, you’ve got to bring new ideas and new things, because people are always looking for good change.”