A Family Dollar Store will be constructed on a vacant lot at the corner of Spruce and Center streets. Tamaqua's Zoning Hearing Board approved the venture during a meeting Monday.

In order to move forward with the project, the developer sought numerous variances related to setback requirements, impervious ground coverage and parking spaces.Attorney Denise Dieter of Jersey Shore represented George Hutchinson, who owns the development company for Family Dollar. Tom Ludgate, Ludgate Engineering, is developing the plan for the site. Gary Winkleman is the firm's project manager."The requests (for the variances) are in line with what exists in the area," Ludgate said. "It will be similar to others in the area."Ludgate said that the lot size is 100 feet by 220 feet and the store size will be 80 feet by 104 feet, with 16 parking spaces. The parking area will front Center Street, with access to it from Spruce Street, he said.Ludgate also said that truck deliveries to supply the store will only occur once a week. Board member Frank Kane suggested a stipulation that the delivery time be restricted to after 7 p.m. and before 6 a.m.; all parties agreed. The loading area will be on the Spruce Street side.The board also discussed the number of parking places specified on the plan. Dieter and Winkleman said the Family Dollar corporation requires a minimum of 16 parking places per store.The Tamaqua zoning ordinance requirement for the required number of parking spaces is a percentage, based on the square footage of a retail store. According to this calculation, the 16 spaces fall short."I don't have a problem with the 16 (parking places)," said Chairman Richard Clemson. "A corporation isn't going to approve a plan if 16 are not enough parking places, and there's no way for them to make it bigger."The board unanimously approved the plan, granting eight variances relating to setbacks, loading area and parking spaces. After the meeting, Kane said he has glad to have the business in Tamaqua, and Clemson agreed."I believe it's a great location," Clemson said. "It will be very convenient for our citizens in the High Rise."