A vacant, undeveloped lot within the city limits of Sistersville could be the site of a new storefront, should the Sistersville Planning Commission agree to rezone the area.

Robert Thaw, who’s father (Pete) served as Mayor for the City of Sistersville from 1960-69, is currently in the development stages of a construction project he hopes will create synergy among the business already established in the area.

Thaw admits he was hesitant about pursing the project, he has since changed his mind. “I didn’t want to bother with it,” he said. “But now it just makes sense.”

“Family Dollar has been looking at this area for some time,” he remarked. “They just needed a suitable space to build.”

According to Thaw, the company in charge of development for the Family Dollar franchise requires a parking lot and handicap accessibility. Therefore, they rarely choose to install a store in an area that has not been updated.

Thaw will provide the lot for the development of the store, which will be located on Diamond Street directly across from the Sistersville IGA and VFW Post 6327. Though some modifications will be made to accommodate the store, Thaw says no houses will be demolished.

He offers comfort to business owners who feel their livelihood is in jeopardy, pointing out that store like Family Dollar have proven beneficial to all businesses. “These stores bring people to town, thus increasing business for other merchants,” Thaw commented.

In addition to altering the business climate of the area, Thaw says the venture will bring 10 new jobs to Tyler County and will increase the tax revenue.

But before things progress, Thaw and the store’s development team must get permission from the City’s Planning Commission, since the area they wish to built on is currently zoned as residential. Thaw sees this as a mere formality.

For this purpose, Thaw will meet with those serving on the committee at 4 p.m. on Nov. 8 to discuss his plans for his property. Should the .75 acres be rezoned by special permission, Thaw says construction should begin in the Spring.

With property in this area that has been in his family for five generations, Thaw says he loves Sistersville. “This is a great place to live,” he remarked. “It should also be a convenient place to live.”