By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - The developer of the Voice of America Centre at Tylersville and Cox roads wants township trustees to create a community entertainment district around the property to lure more restaurants.

The request, which would allow the issuance of up to 10 liquor permits on the 52-acre site, is the first of its kind in the area, officials said.

"The problem that we've encountered after getting into the development of the project is that there were very few licenses available in this district," Scott Katz, of Midland Atlantic Properties, told trustees this week.

He said the limited availability makes it hard to bring in restaurants that rely on the permits.

"This will allow restaurants that are interested in being in our project easier access to liquor licenses," Katz said. "It just takes one of the roadblocks out of the way."

State law permits townships to create community entertainment districts to allow issuance of liquor permits to benefit economic development of key areas in a community.

"This is not legislation that is going to overwhelm West Chester with liquor permit holders," said Police Chief John Bruce. "You can only have one permit per every 5 acres and regardless of the size of the (district) you can't have more than 15."

The additional liquor permits cannot be transferred outside of the community entertainment district.

"I think it is a crucial benefit to the township when developing these retail zones that we have," said trustees President Catherine Stoker.

Two restaurants in the development, Ruby Tuesday and Longhorn Steakhouse, have liquor permits. Katz said if trustees approve the request, two or three restaurants could be added.

Trustees will vote on the request April 13.