Plans for Popeye's Chicken franchise in Bethel Park approved

A Popeye’s Chicken franchise is coming to the Bethel Park Shopping Center along Library Road.

Council unanimously approved its final major land development plan on Aug. 9.

The restaurant will replace the current GameStop, a few blocks away from a KFC.

It is unclear what will happen with the game store’s employees.

Council president Tim Moury said he reluctantly approved the plans for the new business in Ward 4 because he would like to see a master stormwater management plan for the whole shopping center, and not just for lots subdivided by the center’s property manager, New York-based Brixmore.

Borough documents indicate the restaurant will be a 2,265-square-foot building with a drive-thru and nine regular parking spaces and two handicapped parking spaces on its lot. Landscaping also is proposed around the building and parking area.

Moury said he expects more information about the project, including demolition plans, to be submitted to the borough within the next few months.

“It’s great to see new business moving into Bethel Park along with building a new facility,” he said.

Other actions

Council approved a change to the Civil Service rules and regulations as it pertains to the police sergeant promotional exam.

The change makes the promotion list good for two years, just like it is for the new officer hiring list.

Councilman James Hannan said the change will make the processes uniform and more efficient as well as reduce advertising costs.

Bethel Park has 39 full-time officers, including chief Tim O’Connor.

Moury said there is a list of new candidates and four officers may be hired by early next year. Interviews are likely to start in November with hiring to take place between December and February.

Moury said the promotion exam will be available sometime next year.

Cathy Muscato, community center director and assistant recreation director, and Dave Cable, public access facility director and overseer of BPTV, will see a bump in their paychecks. Council approved a 3% raise.

Borough manager Laurence Christian said the two have taken on additional duties and deserve their performance-based boost.

O’Connor thanked the community for its support at the department’s National Night Out celebration. The event took place Aug. 3 at Miners Memorial Park.

He also reminded motorists that school will be starting within the coming weeks. Drivers should slow down in school zones, do not pass buses and always be aware of their surroundings.