ELIZABETHTOWN -- After months of consideration, the Elizabethtown Planning Board has given the OK for Lawrence Construction to start building a Family Dollar store here.

The delay for approval was primarily because of the proposed signage, as Family Dollar's standard signs exceed Elizabethtown's rules. The building code allows for no more than a total of 75 square feet. That can be divided into two signs, but the largest cannot exceed 50 square feet.

In an April 23 letter to Elizabethtown Town Code Officer Frank Slycord, Lawrence Tillack of Lawrence Construction wrote: "It was my understanding when the building permit was issued that it does not include building or road signs. Family Dollar is going to custom make a building sign of 50sf (square feet) or less and a road sign of 25sf or less to comply with local zoning laws. When we complete this, we will then apply for a sign permit."

Board member Evelyn Hatch expressed concern about luminous signs, as they cannot be lit from within if they exceed 20 square feet. Slycord assured her the code provisions will be met.

Parking-lot specifications for the 8,000-square-foot store were another issue. According to Slycord, Tillack informed him the 24 customer and eight employee spaces will be 22 feet long and 9 feet wide and thus comply.

Slycord assured the board that he will check for compliance on all issues and will not issue a certificate for occupancy until code requirements are met. A stop-work order can also be implemented if the need arises.

"I was doing the best I could, as there was no Planning and Zoning board," Slycord informed the recently appointed board members.

"I have every feeling they (Lawrence Construction) will be in compliance," he added.

"If he (Tillack) will comply, then I'm a happy camper," Hatch responded.

With that, the Planning Board approved construction.

FLOWER SHOP

In other business, board member Frank Agnew said Michelle Gough, who runs a flower and gift shop on Water Street, requested a permit to convert her three-stall garage on River Street to a similar business. The location is in the hamlet protectorate area.

In addition, Gough does not reside on the property, as the dwelling formerly at the location was destroyed by fire.

No decision was made.

UNSIGHTLY PROPERTY