The Jim Thorpe Planning Commission voted to recommend the use of the Marion Hose Company building on West Broadway as a personal business. The recommendation will be brought up to borough council for a final decision.

Andrew Roberts plans to purchase Marion Hose in hopes of housing his business, Purple Audio LLC. at the property located at 16 W. Broadway.The building is currently owned by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society and is in the process of being sold.Roberts plans to purchase the building if the Jim Thorpe Planning Commission and borough council approve the use for his business.Currently the building houses an art gallery on the first floor and Roberts plans to use the second floor for his business.On the second floor, Purple Audio would be doing light and mechanical assembly. Soldering will also be done. Roberts stated that the soldering would be free of lead, heavy metals, and chemicals.Jerry Hoare, Bill Solomon, and Louis Hall, members of the planning commission, met with Roberts and visited his business at its current location in Weissport."We went to see his place in Weissport to see what kind of operation he has and try to answer some questions that might come up. We also went to see what he would be moving into Marion," stated Hoare."We saw the whole operation and setup. I see no problem. He has one person working for him. Parking will be no issue," said Solomon."I didn't see anything wrong with it. Noise is not an issue. There is only one issue and it's really not because it's typical of a business in the area. He (Roberts) anticipates deliveries of normal Fed Ex and UPS but every couple of months an 18-wheel tractor trailer will be needed," said Hoare.The planning commission felt that the use of tractor trailers on Broadway is an issue that might need to be addressed in the future. The members did not feel that the tractor trailers needed for Purple Audio would have any bigger impact than the current tractor trailers used for other business. The board will talk with the police department about traffic suggestions on Broadway."I can talk to the police department about it to see if there are any suggestions. I don't see that being a holdup on our recommendation to council to approve this," stated planning commission member and borough council President, John McGuire.The final decision about the use of the Marion Hose Company building for Purple Audio LLC will be decided at the next borough council meeting.