Future of Former Catalano's Site Uncertain

Law Director Tim Paluf said there's still disagreement about whether developer Lance Osborne submitted petitions in time for the November general election ballot.

Osborne circulated petitions to put an issue on the ballot to allow gas stations under local business zoning. Passage would allow his plans to go forward for a Giant Eagle GetGo gas station and convenience store as part of redevelopment of the former Catalano's grocery store site at Wilson Mills and Brainard roads.

The petitions were presented to the city on Aug. 1, which was within the 90-day deadline for the November ballot, according to Osborne's attorneys. However, Paluf said city council has 40 days to take action on the petitions. He said council, which is on recess in August, will probably take action on Sept. 6.

Paluf said that once council takes action, then the 90-day deadline comes into play and the Sept. 6 date would be too late for the fall election. He said if Osborne is willing to wait, the issue would appear on the ballot in 2012.