Too late to close door on additional commerce
South Strabane Township supervisors turned down Dunkin’ Donuts’ plan to build at the intersection of Route 19 and Raymond Boulevard because, as Supervisor Jack Keisling said, “My concern is traffic; it’s busy now.”
The township’s planning commission recommended approval of the 1,849-square-foot building on a piece of land once occupied by a McDonald’s restaurant. At that time, Washington Mall was in its prime and Kmart Plaza was where Home Depot is now. It was then a busy five-way intersection, and it still is.
We have to wonder why the supervisors would be so concerned about additional traffic at this point along Route 19 when new businesses at the Old Mill development, Northgate Plaza and other locations don’t seem to raise the same concern.
Could there be another reason why the board is closing the barn door long after the horses departed? If so, township residents deserve an explanation.