The Wheel restaurant is one step closer to opening its new location in downtown Tamaqua.

Tamaqua Borough council approved a liquor license transfer from a property in Mahanoy City to Savas Logothetides at Tuesday’s borough council meeting. Logothetides was on hand for the hearing, and was pleased with council’s decision.

“You guys know my plan and I can’t wait to get to work. It’s been taking a little longer than anticipated,” he said.

Council also heard from Larry Frederick, the proprietor of Freddy’s pub and the newly opened Texas Chili Dog. Because of the property’s unique location at the five-point intersection in the middle of the downtown, Frederick previously asked council to consider granting him a 15-minute loading/unloading/curbside pickup space next to his restaurant.

The matter was referred to parking and traffic last month, however, the committee has not come forward with a recommendation at this time. Frederick said that he was originally basing his request on similar posted areas outside the Stadium Hill Café, which is located in the South Ward. Council President David Mace said that the two locations are very different, and Ritchie Linkhorst, the chairman of the parking and traffic committee, said that granting such a space would mean giving up a metered parking space in the downtown.

Frederick said that he has found a minimum of six other similar zones in the downtown, but members of council were quick to point out that those spaces are granted by location, not by business. There is currently a loading zone area in the vicinity of Frederick’s property; however, Fredrick said that location is used by other businesses and on the other side of the street.

“Today it’s all about the convenience, people don’t want to get out of their cars,” he said. The matter is still being reviewed by the committee.

Council did approve two handicap parking spaces, one at 549 E. Union St. and one at 202 Center St.

Council will advertise an ordinance to establish a stop intersection for northbound traffic on Market Street at the intersection with Biddle Street. Linkhorst said that after review, he is “100% behind” the proposal.

Council approved a request from Ben Turrano to be appointed to the Citizens’ Action Committee. There was a brief discussion of whether or not members of the committee were required to be residents of Tamaqua. Turrano resides in Walker Township, although his letter of application stated that he worked in the borough, and is also a Realtor in the area. As far as could be determined, there is no residency requirement for the position.

Council is conducting a pool feasibility study, and one of the steps is the completion of a survey by pool patrons and area residents. Copies of the survey are available at the borough hall and on the borough’s website.

It was noted that the Bungalow staff raised $500 to donate to St. Jude’s this summer.

Councilwoman Mary Linkevich provided an update on the proposed working woodland project in the Owl Creek and Still Creek areas. The program, which involves protection areas of forest, and managing the forests, could lead to income for the borough in the form of carbon credits.

Council held an executive session for personnel matters.