Business closures draw objections; council reviews permitting process in Lock Haven

Nicholas Horolchak told the Lock Haven City Council that repeated street closures benefiting one business created an "unfair advantage to a single private business," and urged the council to ensure other downtown businesses have equal access to street-use opportunities.

Horolchak, who identified himself at the public-comment period, said he had previously tried to coordinate outside-music events with downtown managers and that the city had in past years restricted special events so they would not conflict with the city's own music schedule. "We've approved the use of the same property and resources for a private business to quadruple its area of operation," he said, adding that he did not want to cancel events but asked the council to consider fairness and public notice.

Council members and city staff responded that the formal process requires a written use-request submitted to the director of community life or the appropriate staff office before staff can forward a recommendation to council. A city staff member also said copies of all 2023 use-request applications can be provided to council and the public on request.

One council member recounted hearing, secondhand from a former Downtown Lock Haven manager, that a business called "Uncle Albert's" had been told "no" on multiple weekend requests in 2023; the council member said she had not spoken directly to the business owner. City staff emphasized that if a request was only verbal and not submitted through the written process, staff could not forward it to council and urged applicants to complete the form posted on the city's website.

Council members said they want to preserve public access to decisions: even if staff recommends denial, the council can vote against staff recommendations and provide public reasons for decisions. Several council members urged clearer communication about the process and stronger outreach so small businesses understand how to submit complete applications.

The council did not take formal action on the public complaint during the meeting; staff offered to locate and share 2023 application records and to clarify procedural steps for use requests going forward.