A six-parcel lot at the corner of First and Maynard streets can be developed for a commercial purchase after a recent vote by City Council.

Council approved the lot consolidation for a business identified as Revapuri.

Gary Knarr, city zoning officer, was present to explain how the owner was looking at building a facility with first-floor commercial uses such as restaurants and laundromats and upper floors to be used as residential dwellings.

The area is close to the entrance to Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Council also approved a demolition request from the college for razing a residential property at 971 Second St.

The property was in a trust, and the college purchased it to remove the blighted condition, Knarr said.

Council authorized a subdivision for James Hepler at 917 Arch St. The lot has a building on it and the residual lot will have a structure on it. Hepler was granted a variance from the zoning hearing board because of a rear yard issue he faced. The property is within the commercial zone, Knarr said.

In other action, council:

• Authorized a certificate of appropriateness for the Genetti Hotel at 202 W. Fourth St. to put signs up.

• Approved street line and seal coating contracts for $40,000.

• Delayed a proposal for using $60,000 in Community Development Block Grant money taken from COVID-19 relief for five electronic signs. Council believed more vetting of the proposal was necessary before taken a vote.

• Granted use of $8,000 and $9,000 a year for a full-time AmeriCorps employee to be hired once the city committed to a full-time position in the recreation department working at the public works building. Kayla Drummond, city recreation coordinator, said she had four events between October and December. During the off-season, the employee will work with Drummond to prepare a proposed department budget and handling payroll and check requisition.

• Postponed the appointment of Justin Snyder, city police chief, as director of public safety.