McKEESPORT

Council has approved a developer’s request to combine five lots into one that will clear the way for future commercial development at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Market Street.

Council voted June 6 on the request from developer Jonathan Stark. Mayor Mike Cherepko said the property, which is across from Natele Sporting Goods Company, has been vacant for more than 30 years. He said construction should begin in the next couple of months. He said potential tenants include a bank and a laundromat, as well as two other businesses.

Council also approved a site plan request from Wilkins Holdings LLC to construct a 2,800-squarefoot drive-thru restaurant at 2377 Fifth Ave., although the tenant was not named.

“I’m not at liberty to disclose as far as what this business will be,” Mr. Cherepko said.

Council also approved plans by KCA Demolition of Duquesne to build a contractor’s office at 929 Walnut St.

In other business, council approved a contract with El Grande Industries Inc. for an amount not to exceed $273,825 for phase two of the reconstruction of Bowman Avenue.

Mr. Cherepko said he was happy the bid came in much lower than he anticipated.

Last month, council approved the resurfacing work on the “S bend” portion of Bowman.

Mr. Cherepko said because the bid came in lower than expected, he wants to outsource some of the city’s bigger paving projects and will have bids to present to council in the near future.