O'Reilly Auto Parts store proposed in Somerset Township; county planners consider variance request

David Hurst, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

May 20—SOMERSET, Pa. — The Somerset County Planning Commission is considering a request that would clear the way for a national chain of auto parts stores to set up shop in Somerset Township.

But engineers behind plans for the proposed O'Reilly Auto Parts store will need to seek consent from owners of two neighboring properties before a final decision is made.

O'Reilly's project engineers, Bohler Engineering, outlined a proposal Thursday evening for a 7,150-square-foot store on North Center Avenue.

The proposal would place the back of the store six feet from an unnamed township alley. County guidelines require a 10-foot setback.

O'Reilly planners are seeking a variance. They said they would remove an existing structure that is even closer to the alley and would invest in the property by constructing an all-new store.

A retaining wall is also planned to deal with grade issues, engineer Kayleigh Bennington said.

As proposed, the O'Reilly Auto Parts store would have access from North Center Avenue and deliveries from an access point on Holly Lane, plans show.

The retail site would be built next door to a national competitor, AutoZone, whose store at 1412 N. Center Ave. also sits near the alley. O'Reilly Auto Parts is aware of the competitor's location and encourages the retail competition, Bennington said.

But Somerset County Planning Commission members, including Vice Chairman Ray Kelly, raised concerns about the proposed store's proximity to the alley and a few homes that sit across the alley.

One nearby resident, Kim Bittner, suggested that the commission require a rear fence on the O'Reilly Auto Parts property with the variance, in order to prevent anyone from falling down a steep slope onto the alley below.

Bennington said the company would agree to that.

But after commission members continued to mull over whether other neighbors might take issue with the variance, county Planning Director Chadd Sines suggested that Bohler Engineering seek out waivers from residents to alleviate concerns. He said the county has forms that the company can use to seek approvals.

The board voted to continue its hearing on the variance request until June 13 before making a final decision.