There is good news for downtown Tamaqua.
Two more vacant store fronts will soon be the homes of two new health care related businesses.
The zoning hearing board heard two requests from the property owners and one of the tenants for variances that will allow the businesses to be operated.
The property at 137 North Railroad Street, more commonly remembered as the former Rite-Aid store which is owned by Tamstan Realty, Inc, will be the new home of an outpatient health service provider. It is being leased by St. Luke's.
The second variance was approved for the property at 41 West Broad Street. Dr. Ronald Sherry, D.D.S, presented a proposal to turn the property into a dentist's office.
Attorney Gary Marchalk represented the owner of Tamstan, Edward Genetti. According to Marchalk, the property could offer a variety of services, including physical and occupational therapy, diagnostics, and physicians' services.
Zoning hearing board member Karl Smulligan asked if the services offered could include something like drug rehabilitation. Genetti said that the lease between him and St. Luke's precluded that sort of activity.
Resident Dan Poncavage asked if the property could ever be used as an outpatient surgery center. Genetti said that the current lease does not all