A credit union may soon occupy the former PNC Bank building in Lower Burrell’s Hillcrest Shopping Center complex.
Western PA Federal Credit Union, which has a location in Feldarelli Square, New Kensington, seeks a zoning variance as it plans to move to the former PNC building at Hillcrest.
PNC closed its Hillcrest branch in 2020; the property has sat vacant since.
Lower Burrell Zoning Officer Mark Marmo said the credit union wants to own the bank property and its nearby parking. Current commercial zoning there requires properties to be larger than 4 acres, so the credit union is seeking to have that requirement waived to own the building.
“If they were going to lease it, it would be cut and dry,” Marmo said. “But they want to own it.”
Misty Gilkey, CEO for Western PA Federal Credit Union, did not immediately respond to a TribLive request for comment Monday.
“They want a drive-thru, really,” Marmo said. “That’s one of the main attractions to the building.”
Lower Burrell’s Zoning Hearing Board will hear the request at a 7 p.m. meeting Feb. 16 at City Hall, 2800 Bethel St.
Marmo said, if approved, the credit union would own the building and its surrounding parking area.
The zoning board made a similar change in 2023 to the former Blockbuster Video property at Burrell Plaza.
Officials granted a request from New York-based Widewaters to subdivide that building and the surrounding area in an effort to make the property more attractive to potential buyers.
It has, however, remained vacant.