New business planned for old restaurant site
WEIRTON — A long-idle property in downtown Weirton is expected to have a new use next year.
The Weirton Zoning Board of Appeals convened Tuesday, approving a request for a conditional use permit for the property at 4156 Freedom Way. The property, currently owned by J.S.K. Realty Co., previously had been the site of an Elby’s Big Boy restaurant. The building next door, the former Mac’s Drive Thru Market, also is included in the project.
On Tuesday, J.S.K. President Sam Kusic explained the permit would allow the opening of a combination convenience store, fueling station and fast food business at the site, noting he had received an e-mail Friday from BFS Companies giving the go-ahead for the project.
Kusic noted he has attempted many times over the years to bring a business to the site, and is glad to see the $6 million development moving forward.
“You never know until the check clears,” Kusic said. “This looks as sure as it ever has.”
He said construction is slated to begin in the spring, with an opening possibly in the summer. The project will be similar to BFS properties in Morgantown and Weston, Kusic said.
“It’s going to bring a lot more traffic,” Kusic said, noting his hope the new business will help to attract additional development to Weirton’s downtown.
Kusic said plans also call for the use of a local firm to handle the demolition of the existing buildings.
Zoning Board Chair Michael Simon said he, too, hopes to see a ripple effect through the city’s downtown, explaining one restaurant recently closed its doors and there are other vacant properties nearby.
“That area of town will support this,” Simon said. “I think it’s just a real shot in the arm.”
Others on the board said they have been surprised to see the property go unused for so long, but are optimistic about its future.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for Weirton,” Board Vice Chair Bob Kolanko said.
Kusic said he already had overcome one obstacle for the development as, after purchasing the car wash site, he discovered two underground fuel tanks, with approximately 7,000 gallons of gasoline still stored there. With assistance from the West Virginia Division of Highways, those tanks since have been removed, he said.
Weirton Planning and Development Director Mark A. Miller said he has been working with Kusic for several months on making arrangements for the project. In October, the city’s Planning Commission recommended an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to include the category of gas station/mini-mart as a conditional use in a C-3 mixed commercial/professional district. The Freedom Way site is zoned C-3. The change was approved by city council in November.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)
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