Beer to be sold at Sheetz in Bethel Park
The Sheetz store on Library Road will soon sell beer after Bethel Park Council approved its liquor license transfer March 13, the second convenience store in the township to receive a license in as many months.
Council members noted that the store seems to have issues with loitering and other petty crime and some worried that adding alcohol to the mix would make those problems worse. Police Chief Tim O’Connor said his officers responded to 77 calls to Sheetz last year.
Municipal officials urged the store to post “No Loitering” signs and to hire private security guards. Stan Wolowski, an attorney for the convenience store chain, said the signs will go up and the company is considering hiring private security, particularly for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
“Sheetz understands your concerns and we definitely want to work with you and the (police) chief,” Wolowski said.
Pennsylvania relaxed its alcohol sales regulations last year and as a result, more convenience stores are looking to sell beer and wine, both as a carryout option and as part of a small restaurant. Last month, council approved a liquor license transfer at the GetGo store just down the road from the Sheetz.
Councilman Brandon Colella voted against the liquor license transfer to Sheetz, but the measure easily passed 7-1. Council President Tim Moury was absent.
In another matter, the board awarded the contract for road resurfacing to Mele & Mele and Sons Construction of Rankin for over $1.5 million. The firm will resurface numerous roads in Bethel Park during the summer. Councilman Jim Hannan said this year’s roads project is a bit more expansive than in previous years due to the mild winter. The municipality will now invest money it would have spent in clearing snow on maintaining the roads, he said.
Council also awarded a contract for crack sealing to Matcon Diamond of Pittsburgh for $61,950.
Council also recognized longtime municipal manager Bill Spagnol, who retired last month. Councilman Mark O’Brien called Spagnol a great friend with an impeccable character who truly enjoyed serving the people of Bethel Park.
“I have learned so much from Mr. Spagnol and for his 30 years of service, I thank you,” O’Brien said.
Council also approved a conditional use permit for the construction of a sign at Bethel Park High School. Council members cited concerns about the brightness of the proposed sign in the past.
Council agreed to submit a grant application to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Automated Red Light Enforcement Program for a new traffic signal at Brightwood and South Park roads. Council cited a need to monitor that busy intersection more closely for accidents and for criminal activity. But, they any cameras installed would not be used to automatically issue traffic citations to drivers who run the red light.