SMETHPORT — The McKean County Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to give conditional approval for a land development at Lantz Corners, Hamlin Township, which is to be the site of a flotation therapy center that will be open to the public.
Final approval is contingent on the planning office receiving a new map containing the facility’s official name.
The developer, owner of the Barrel House, explained the therapy that is provided in two pods. In each, 1,000 pounds of dissolved Epsom salts are added to 200 gallons of water, which is heated to the body temperature, and causes the person to float. Each session is to last an hour.
Some of the benefits of this therapy are reducing the stress of daily life, such as sore muscles and anxiety, as well as lowering blood pressure and treating arthritis and insomnia.
Ryan Miller, a professional engineer with ARS Engineering Services, described the proposed building as “a rectangular structure measuring 26’x52′ on the extension of an existing lot 24 feet behind the Barrel House. It will be connected to the existing sanitary system.”
The facility’s opening is slated for this fall, possibly September.
In prior written comments to the county planning office, the Hamlin Township supervisors have supported this proposed development. Supervisor Chairman Jim Trussell attended Tuesday’s meeting.
In another vote, planning commission members approved the second blight determination resolution from the McKean County Blighted Property Review Committee, which has reviewed the property at 415 East Mill St. in Port Allegany and determined “it to be vacant and exhibits one or more of the conditions of a blighted property as set forth in Ordinance No. 1 of 2015.”
The committee, through the McKean County Redevelopment Authority, has served the property owner with a notice of blight and the need for repairs within 60 days. No repairs were made, and there was no hearing requested to contest the “blighted property” determination.
Consideration of this blight determination notice came before the McKean County Planning Commission because this agency has jurisdiction in Port Allegany, said Jeremy Morey, county planning director.
Meanwhile, the McKean County Redevelopment Authority may proceed in this matter according to the law.
It was noted during the discussion that funds from Act 152, the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law, gives Pennsylvania counties the option of a new revenue source for the sole purpose of removing blighted properties by assessing an additional fee of up to $15 on each recorded deed and mortgage. McKean County commissioners have passed such a resolution.
