Auto parts store to open in Perry County

The largest auto parts retailer in the United States, AutoZone, is setting up shop in Howe Twp.

One of the final hurdles for the project, which will be on the property formerly occupied by Orrstown Bank, cleared a hurdle during a zoning hearing on June 28.

During the hearing, Carmen DiDiano, general manager of MDM Surveyors and Engineers, explained the necessity for the requested variance which allows a side yard setback of 11.5 feet instead of the 20 feet required in the ordinance. He said a “pinch point” on the property due to the proximity of the location to Newport Plaza made a waiver of the requirement the best way to make the project compliant on all other fronts with least amount of negative impact.

Neighboring properties all attested that the reduction of the setback would not have significant impact on their properties.

Another point of contention was the requirement of a sidewalk on the property’s periphery. DiDiano explained as the project was not a subdivision, it was…