Planning commission approves advisory review for Lexington Mall building conversion amid zoning questions over drive‑thru

Tom Gizon, a planner with Steuart Consulting Group, presented a proposal on May 28 for a building conversion at the Lexington Mall, a 21.5‑acre property. The applicant seeks to redevelop a 0.94‑acre leased parcel containing about a 3,000‑square‑foot former pharmacy by dividing it into two tenant spaces. One tenant, as proposed in the narrative, would be a Dunkin' Donuts with a drive‑through lane; the other would be a counter‑service eatery for on‑site consumption.

Gizon told the Blair County Planning Commission that the county's review is advisory and recommended approval subject to follow‑up by the city of Altuna and the Blair County Conservation District. He noted the property’s zoning changed in September 2025 from light industrial to “industrial flex,” and cited section 800‑29 of the new Altuna code, which lists small retail/eateries under 8,000 square feet as permitted but excludes fast‑food uses. “Dunkin’ Donuts is more often than not considered fast food, but it is also often considered … a retail use,” Gizon said, adding that the city’s zoning officer and hearing board would make the final determination on classification.

Commission members raised technical issues Gizon had flagged in his review: the submitted site‑line appears to encroach into shared driveway and parking areas; the dumpster location falls partially outside the applicant’s identified site; and the plan shows a proposed infiltration/stormwater basin with an overflow tied to public sewers. Gizon recommended the applicant confirm the 0.94‑acre boundary, clarify shared‑facility use, and have the narrative and stormwater plans reviewed by the Blair County Conservation District.

After discussion, the commission moved to approve the county’s advisory review of the Lexington Mall Partners building conversion project "subject to" the city of Altuna’s regulatory review and Conservation District approval. The motion passed on a voice vote; the record shows at least one opposition but does not identify the voter by name.

The advisory approval does not replace municipal regulatory approvals. The city of Altuna has the final authority to determine whether a drive‑through use is allowed in this zone and to resolve the site‑boundary and shared‑access questions raised during the county review. The county office also recommended the applicant supply clearer plan sheets and clarify how shared parking and access will be used and authorized.