Long John Silver’s to open in West Mifflin

Council also discussed the overuse of a dumpster at the borough public works building.

By THOMAS LETURGEY
For the MVI

Progress continues regarding a new Long John Silver’s restaurant moving into West Mifflin Borough.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, it was discussed that a public hearing will be held for the conditional use of a drive through on the new construction at 2220 Lebanon Church Road. The fast-food outlet will sit at the same location of the former Handel’s Ice Cream shop. Planning for the new eatery passed through a zoning board meeting earlier this month. The public hearing next month is expected to address approval of the site plan.

Restaurant developers are currently working on the project and “checking into signage.”

Police update

During his monthly report, police Chief Greg McCulloch mentioned a “12-hour-hybrid schedule” proposal that he gave to each council member to read through. He asked them for their input.

Council member Robert Kostelnik asked if 2026 is a contract year for the police force, and McCulloch said it was. Kostelnik said it could be used as a “negotiating piece.” Councilman Tony Topolnak, a former police chief, said they would do “what’s best for the borough.”

Dumpster use in the borough

Council also discussed a dumpster behind the public works building that has become a dumping ground for contractors and the public. Borough Manager Brian Kamauf said the situation is costing the borough money having to get it emptied.

Officials said that public works crews do clean it up efficiently when contractors and residents overstuff the dumpster. While no action was taken, officials talked about putting a gate around the dumpster, adding another dumpster, or removing it altogether.

911 outage

In the EMS report, officials announced that West Mifflin and Allegheny County 911 weren’t affected as heavily as other communities during last week’s widespread state 911 outages. They responded to 20 calls between 2 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. One of the Baldwin EMS ambulances is out of service, leaving eight ambulances to service the borough 24 hours a day.

In other matters, at its June 15 meeting, council approved a motion to decommission and send to auction two public works Mack trucks. The vehicles will go to auction at a date to be announced.

Community Development Director Walter B. “Butch” Anthony stated that two ordinances— one for short term rentals and another for solicitation in the borough — were OK’d by the planning commission and should be addressed next month.