Will it Stay or Will it Go?
Relocation of Downtown State Liquor Store Still in Limbo
LOCK HAVEN – There are conflicting reports on the future status of the state Liquor Store in downtown Lock Haven.
The Lock Haven Express today reported that the state Liquor Control Board announced “it definitely plans to close its wine and spirits store” on E. Main St. But state Rep. Mike Hanna (D-Lock Haven) took to Facebook later today to say the LCB issued a “misstatement.” He said a final decision on the Lock Haven store has not been made and “I am still working diligently to keep the store in its current location.
Contacted by therecord-online, Elizabeth Brassell, the PLCB director of external affairs, confirmed what has been known since last April, that the state agency has been eyeing a move to Bald Eagle Township, specifically a vacant storefront in Millbook Plaza off Hogan Boulevard. She said a state Department of General Services review is underway on a proposed lease at a new site which she would not confirm is in Millbrook Plaza. She did say the state has extended a lease through Jan. 31 with Ronald Pete, the owner of the Main Street building currently housing the state store.
The Millbrook site reported under review is a vacant storefront between the Verizon Store and Kmart. Local officials learned last spring the state wants to relocate to a site within a mile of the Mill Hall area intersection of Route 220 and Route 150, within proximity of grocery stores and with ample parking. Millbrook Plaza would satisfy those criteria.
Both Lock Haven and Clinton County officials have announced their opposition to any plans to close the Lock Haven store, a part of the downtown for well over half a century.
