Pocono News Section

Proposed CVS in Berwick Causes Controversy, Confusion

Proposed CVS in Berwick Causes Controversy, Confusion - Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 5:30PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Wednesday, Dec 9, 2009 @ 05:30pm EST

BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- Some people who live along West Second Street here were sent letters from a developer saying their properties would be taken over to make room for a new CVS. Now, plans might change.

The letter from Fameco Real Estate in Plymouth Meeting told people along the 400 block that CVS would take over their land. Neighbors were concerned.

"I'm worried about one lady. She's been here over 60 years," said a man named Sal who lives along the 400 block of West Second Street. "She's an old lady. Where's she going to go?"

But the plans seemed to have changed. A few homeowners refused to give up their property, and now a business in Berwick says Fameco contacted him to acquire his property for CVS.

Penn Motors is just a few blocks down on Route 11. The owner tells us he's in talks with Fameco.

"CVS just came to us with a set of preliminary plans about a month ago to look at a new property," said Berwick Borough Manager, Shane Pepe.

Penn Motors, a used car company, doesn't have all the space needed to build a new CVS. But Fowler field, home to teener league baseball and other groups, is right behind the car lot. Pepe says he can't comment on if the field is part of the plans for CVS.

"All I can say is there are some things about it that people in the public won't be too excited about if it was to happen," said Pepe.

We contacted CVS to see if the company could clear up the confusion. Mike DeAngelis, with CVS medial relations, tells us the company is not currently pursuing any property in Berwick. We also asked him about the letter from Fameco Real Estate to residents, which read, "Hopefully this will occur with your involvement, but nonetheless, our project will move forward at a rapid rate." DeAngelis says CVS would not approve of the language used in that letter.

Eyewitness News will be in touch with borough officials to see how the CVS situation shakes out.