The owner of a Grape Street business withdrew an application for a takeout restaurant.

The owner previously was required to appear for a hearing before the township's five-member Zoning Hearing Board of Adjustment, which earlier had taken testimony in the case.

Bureau Chief Lee Rackus reported Horshan Gorandia, owner of the Indian Bazaar, sought to include a takeout restaurant at the premises, located in a CW neighborhood commercial zoning district. A variance to the zoning ordinance was originally requested regarding multiple use in a lot for the proposed takeout restaurant to be located with an existing retail store and bakery.

Testimony at the earlier hearing indicated there is no separate entrance for the proposed restaurant. Patrons would have to enter through the grocery store.

Michelle Quier, owner of a neighboring bakery business, said she is concerned about the smells entering her business and limited parking. A resident, Justin Mellinger, whose home is across the street from the proposed takeout food business, also spoke of parking problems. Traffic was another concern raised.

The zoning board made no decision on the variance request. The applicant asked for a continuance and later withdrew the application.

Also during the meeting, Keystone Novelties Distributors of Lancaster was granted special exception use by the zoning board regarding a temporary use to have a tent sale for fireworks June 27 to July 6 in a parking lot at 2160 MacArthur Road.

There were no objectors to the request. The board approved the temporary use with hours of operation to be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Any fireworks and novelty items for sale must be specifically approved by the township fire chief.

The company must also have comprehensive general liability coverage not less than $1 million with combined single limit naming as additional assured Whitehall Township, its board and commissioners individually and as a group and other elected and appointed officers.