A developer wants to build a dollar store on a busy stretch of road in Clarks Summit.
NPL Associates LLC of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, plans to build an 85,595-square-foot Dollar General store on a vacant lot on nearly 2 acres of land at 701 S. State St., according to the plans submitted to the borough.
The plans, referred to as Dollar General Clarks Summit, call for a single retail building with associated parking and site improvements. It will use public water and sewer. The developer has owned the property since 2020, according to online property records.
The plans indicate the site has steep slopes, is a flood hazard area and has a stream. Borough Manager Jennifer Basalyga said the developer will discuss these issues with the planning commission.
There are currently no dollar stores in Clarks Summit.
The Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Dollar General has locations throughout the area, including Scott Twp., Scranton, Archbald, Jermyn, Olyphant, Dickson City, Blakely, Nicholson and Factoryville. Discount chains Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have stores in Scranton, Olyphant, Scott Twp., Dickson City and Archbald.
Gail Reese, president of the Abington Business and Professional Association, said people in the area have asked for a dollar store, which they like because of its convenience.
“It offers a lot of appeal to people … in case you needed to get a quick item or two,” she said. “You don’t need to run a distance away from, in this case, Clarks Summit.”
Reese said any kind of business is a great addition to the borough.
“Anytime you have a new mix of retail and commercial, and certainly banks and churches, it’s all good for the community,” she said. “It brings in different people and it keeps them here, certainly, for retention purposes.”
While there might be some pushback from residents about traffic and parking concerns, Reese said traffic is necessary for a business to thrive.
The borough planning commission will hear the plans at a meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.