Dollar General adjusts plans for Upper Burrell store in response to concerns

Dollar General’s updated plans for its proposed Upper Burrell store at Route 780 and Dewey Drive call for a fence to allay protests from residents who don’t want the store in their neighborhood.

Over the past several months, more than 100 residents signed a petition protesting the construction of a Dollar General store in the residential area. The development plan is expected to gain township approval because, although the store site borders a residential area, it is zoned commercial.

In November, township engineers requested changes to the store’s initial development plan, and an updated plan was submitted to the township Dec. 8. An engineer for Dollar General presented the updated plans last month and told township officials they planned to add a screening fence along Dewey Drive to reduce visibility of their building from residences.

“The fencing is welcomed, but doesn’t really bring an end to our concerns,” said Nancy Scuccimarri, a Dewey Drive resident. “There will still be light issues, sound issues, garbage collection issues and delivery issues,” she said.

The updated plan does shift the building and dumpster area to meet township setback requirements. But that isn’t allaying residents’ unhappiness with the project, given the township’s rural atmosphere.

“That peace and quiet will be disrupted with the Dollar General in the neighborhood, causing disturbances to neighbors,” Scuccimarri said. “Neighbors who do shift work will no longer have peace and quiet. Their quality of life will diminish with the disruptions.”

Scuccimarri added she, her husband and neighbors are concerned their property values will plummet with a store in their neighborhood.

Messages left for Dollar General were not returned.

Township Supervisors Chairman Ross Walker said the added fencing to the Dollar General site is a good thing for the store to do.

“It seems like they are working with the residents to make it as unobtrusive as possible,” he said.

Walker and other township officials have said they can’t stop the proposed store’s development because the site is zoned for commercial use.

The township planning commission and engineers are reviewing the plan, which still needs various approvals before construction can begin.