A proposal to open a restaurant at 7th & Cumberland streets in downtown Lebanon has been withdrawn, Lebanon City Council learned at its April 18 pre-council planning meeting.
Representatives of Rob Fam Inc. asked council last month to approve an intermunicipal liquor license transfer from Union Township to the city, the first step in opening a wine tasting and pairing establishment on the second floor of 629 Cumberland St., at one time the site of the defunct Lebanon Democratic Club.
The building’s first floor currently houses the William Penn Restaurant and, until 2019, was also home to the closed William Penn Tavern.
Council tabled the matter at its March meeting after concerns were raised about building code and zoning compliance, but agreed to reconsider the application in April.
The application was re-listed on the April 18 pre-council agenda, but council chair Joseph Morales announced without explanation that it had been withdrawn. At council’s April 22 monthly meeting, Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello said Rob Fam gave no reason for the withdrawal, other than saying they were “exploring other options.”
Other business before city council on April 22
- Council agreed to accept short portions of Ranch Avenue and Creekside Drive created in the Greystone Crossings residential development, which straddles the city and North Cornwall Township. It also accepted a widened section of West Oak Street at Creekside Drive. Under the deed of dedication from developer Narrows Glen Inc., the streets become public roadways the city is responsible for maintaining.
- Council authorized city administrators to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a $50,000 grant, to be used to convert a tennis court at Coleman Memorial Park to up to eight pickleball courts.
- Capello reported that through March 31, with the budget year 25% complete, city revenues were at 23% of 2024 budget projections and expenditures at 17.5%. Real estate tax receipts have started coming in, and the mayor said she expects the slight revenue lag to be eliminated.
Next Lebanon City Council meetings
City Council’s next pre-council planning meeting will be on Thursday, May 23, at 4:45 p.m. The next regular monthly council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m.
City Council meetings are open to the public. They are held in the City Hall multi-purpose room, 735 Cumberland St., first floor, Lebanon.
Meetings are also streamed live on YouTube, here.
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