Oct 30, 2002 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Supporters and opponents of the controversial construction project along the city’s West Side will have the opportunity to voice their opinions during a special session of the planning commission. Although the Oct. 24 legal notice states it is a special meeting to render a decision relating to a building application by Randy Strickler, commission solicitor Kirk Sohonage said today’s session would take the form of a public hearing.

“I have a feeling that (whatever the outcome), the commission ruling is going to be appealed either by the applicant or by the city,” said Sohonage. “For that reason, I want it to be held in a hearing format.

“If it’s appealed, everything will be on the record and the court can review it.”

Strickler, who was reinstated to the commission on Tuesday after being removed earlier by council, submitted the application paperwork to the city clerk on May 20, however, there is no record that the commission reviewed the documentation or approved the permit.

Claiming the permit was valid because it had the signatures of two commission members, Strickler began constructing the multi-level structure at the intersection of Crawford Avenue and routes 119 and 201. The three-story building is slated to hold four multi-vision-advertising signs, when completed.

Stating that the permit did not undergo scrutiny by the commission, board chairman Sam Spotto postponed taking action on the permit during the panel’s Oct. 2 meeting. Strickler, at the same time, volunteered to halt construction until the board reviewed the matter.

Sohonage, meanwhile, said objectors to the issuance of the permit would be given the opportunity to make their statement that will make them parties to any later litigation in the matter.

“They can present any evidence they have in the matter,” he said. “It’s going to be a quasi-judicial hearing; (Strickler’s legal counsel) attorney Richard Bower and Mr. Strickler will undoubtedly make their case to the commission. There will be a time for questions to be asked by objectors or by Mr. Bower.”

Sohonage said after the testimony is given, the board could vote on the matter or delay rendering a decision until a later time.

The panel is scheduled to meet next week for its regular monthly meeting.

Although some members of the board have discussed turning the matter over to city council because of the controversy surrounding the building and Strickler’s position on the board, Sohonage said the commission is required to vote on the issue.

“City council has no authority in this matter,” he said. “It has to be dealt with by the planning commission; it is their duty, they have to rule on this.”

The hearing will be held at 4 p.m. in council chambers at the municipal building.