Kost Tire and Auto Service Wants to Build Store on Lehigh Street

Kost Tire and Auto Service has submitted plans to the Salisbury Township Planning Commission to build a 34,000-square foot store at 3117 Lehigh St.

The family-owned business, which is based in Clark Summit, Lackawanna County, has 52 franchises in Pennsylvania and New York.

Kost Tire has proposed to raze an office building at 3117 Lehigh St. that sits between Jiffy Lube and Midas Muffler, and consolidate it with a parcel behind it as 2200 31st St. SW.

At the commission's Sept. 11 meeting, the board and township engineer told representatives for Kost they need to address a number of questions on their proposed land development and preliminary/final plan before it can be sent to the board of commissioners for approval.

Commissioner Richard Hassick recommended Kost plant trees in front of the building that are easier to maintain and more adaptable to an urban streetsape. He suggested they refer to the township's list of recommended trees.

Several commissioners raised questions about the direction vehicles are allowed to take to enter and exit the property and whether large trucks can make the turn.

Kost's engineer said vehicles are permitted to make only right-hand turns out of the property. Entrance can be made from any direction.

Commissioner Glenn Miller noted the new business would increase traffic.

Commission Chairman Charles Beck was concerned about the dust that would be created from the construction of the new building and Commissioner Joseph Hebelka questioned if asbestos was in the building Kost proposed to raze. Kost representatives said they would use professionals trained in asbestos remediation if necessary.