JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Rutter’s is set to purchase land on Scalp Avenue with assurances that the Richland Township Planning Commission is in agreement with the construction of a gas station and convenience store.
M&G Realty, the real estate arm of Rutter’s convenience stores, is working with HF Lenz engineers to secure and develop parcels of land between Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Theater Drive.
The York-based convenience and gas station chain is also working on permitting processes with PennDOT, said Eric Hershey, Rutter’s site project manager.
Hershey said a realistic opening date for a Rutter in Richland Township would be early 2023.
“It’s an area we want to grow in,” he said, “and it’s not the only one. We have potential sites in Antis Township, Blair County and other sites we are considering. »
Hershey attended a workshop Tuesday night with the Richland Township Planning Commission to discuss a site plan and amalgamation of individual parcels that would allow the project to move forward. He described plans for a 10,000 square foot building, 12 gas dispensers and 45 parking spaces.
Professional engineer and HF Lenz Vice President Keith A. Gindlesperger leads the process of consolidating several vacant lots for M&G to grow.
“We’re cleaning it up, consolidating it,” he said.
Most of the plots targeted are owned by CDM Cambria Realty, which owns the property where Ollie’s is located. But a strip of land shaped like a hockey stick owned by Berwind Corp. is also necessary for Rutter to be able to secure access to the entire site.
Dan Berkebile, a member of the Richland Township Planning Commission, said the commission would be prepared to approve the necessary land amalgamation and site plan, subject to Rutter obtaining ownership of the parcels. Hershey agreed and said it could take a few more months before Rutter’s makes a formal request for site plan approval.
Planning Commission Vice Chairman Julian Beglin said the township would welcome development of the vacant land.
“A broader tax base, more competition,” he said.
Sheetz has a location less than half a mile from Rutter’s planned site.
“Everyone thinks we have this big battle, but we don’t,” Hershey said. “If a place is a day’s truck ride from the head office in York, that’s the area we want to be in.”
Russ O’Reilly is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @RussellOReilly.