Liquor license moved to Newport convenience store

Newport Borough Council approved an inter-municipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license during its Sept. 17 meeting.

The license, which can be traced to the former Newport Tavern in Oliver Twp., would be utilized by a proposed convenience store at 29 North Second St. The store would have seating for roughly 30 and be operated by Ansh Shah, 21, who currently is a psychology major at Penn State. Shah said the location will feature a deli, and sell hot dogs, sandwiches and other to-go foods. Shah estimated the operation, which has a renovation budget of $38,000, would employ around 12 to 15 individuals.

While it will be Shah's first business venture, his family operates similar businesses in Shermans Dale, Loysville, Hegins and Tower City. The Shahs' attorney, David Rossi, claimed the family has never been charged with a liquor violation at any of its facilities.

Councilwoman Barb Leach questioned whether patrons could drink at the facility. Shah replied "yes"because it is a restaurant license, but there would not be beer on tap or bar seating, meaning the vast majority of sales likely would be beer to go. Leach noted she lives close to the location and doesn't have a problem with it. The lighting being installed, she said, looked great.

Mayor Stephen Tice weighed in that the borough was "not looking for another bar, but was OK with a facility selling packaged beer."

Councilwoman Tami Halstead pointed out that once the license was transferred into the borough, it could be transferred to a different entity without council's approval.

Councilwoman Billie Dudley said she was in favor of approving the transfer because she would like to provide as many services locally to encourage people to move into town and reduce travel necessities for borough residents.

County Commissioner Frank Campbell, who resides in the borough and is a member of the Perry County Chamber of Commerce, stated he'd like to see as many storefronts occupied as possible.

The motion to approve the transfer passed on 4-2 vote with Leach, Dudley, Christian Fickes and Mary Bucher comprising the majority. Council President Gregory Shope and Halstead both dissented. Councilwoman Penny Frownfelter was not present.

In other matters, concerned North Fourth Street resident Evan Wise addressed safety concerns he has witnessed regarding children crossing the street in his neighborhood. He said he has seen several "near misses." He claimed speed limits and stop signs were not being obeyed and some stop signs were barely visible at certain intersections. Wise said he has asked the Pennsylvania State Police to patrol the area, particularly, right after school dismissal. He also expressed concern over the presence of drugs in the community.

Fickes responded he will confer with the street crew as to what can be done to address Wise's concerns over pedestrian safety in the area.

Council approved the Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for the non-uniform pension fund, totaling $9,415. The uniform fund had no current MMO.

During budget talks, Leach brought up the possibility of re-establishing the borough's police department. She said several residents had approached her stating their desire for local protection.

Halstead responded that budgetarily, it was a non-starter.

Debate followed as to an appropriate level of code enforcement/police protection in the future.