Written by TMR for Monarch Media 

COUDERSPORT, Pa. | A proposed BYOB speakeasy became the focus of a lengthy and contentious discussion during the Coudersport Borough Council meeting, as a local business owner urged officials to investigate the establishment before it opens.

Susan Sykes, owner of Busty Hearts Place, raised concerns about the business, which she identified as being owned by Alyssa Hillman. Sykes told council members she feared the proposed establishment could become associated with illegal activity and potentially create problems involving public safety, minors and sexually oriented entertainment.

Sykes said she had observed what she described as suspicious activity connected to the property, including activity captured by security cameras. Among her allegations was that she had witnessed communication with an individual she characterized as a gang member. She also expressed concerns about possible connections to gangs and sex trafficking.

Those allegations were not established as fact during the meeting, and council members discussed the importance of investigating the matter through the appropriate legal and zoning channels.

Sykes asked the borough to take immediate action to prevent the business from opening while the concerns could be investigated. One possibility discussed was an emergency ordinance or temporary moratorium.

The discussion quickly turned to the borough’s authority under its existing zoning regulations and what steps could legally be taken. Borough officials and legal representatives emphasized that any action would need to comply with due process and applicable zoning laws.

The proposed business was described during the meeting as a BYOB establishment that could feature performers. Questions were raised about the nature of the entertainment, including concerns about nudity and whether minors could potentially be present.

Council members also discussed whether the borough could impose a temporary restriction while officials reviewed the proposed use and investigated the allegations. The legal implications of an emergency ordinance or moratorium were considered, including whether such action could withstand a challenge.

Sykes additionally brought up the Elliot Ness Museum and potential trademark concerns associated with the proposed business. The discussion included references to the history of similar establishments and concerns that businesses of this type can sometimes become associated with illegal activity.

Council members did not simply accept the allegations at face value. Instead, the discussion centered on determining what the borough can legally regulate and what information would be necessary before taking action.

The matter represented one of the more significant discussions of the meeting, with officials weighing public safety concerns against the rights of a property owner and the requirement that municipal action follow established law.

Beyond the controversy surrounding the proposed speakeasy, council conducted a broad range of routine municipal business.

Council approved the minutes from the previous meeting as well as the borough’s voucher list and reviewed financial reports.

The borough also opened sealed bids for anti-skid material. Three bids were received: Wayne Gravel Products at $32.95 per ton, Glennon Hall Baker at $28.42 per ton and IA Construction at $26.80 per ton. Council approved the IA Construction proposal.

Council approved Resolution 2026-16 authorizing the use of American fireworks for the borough’s America 250 celebration on September 11. The resolution authorizes the fireworks display, with logistical details concerning the launch site to be finalized.

Officials also addressed the borough’s 2027 pension obligations. The minimum municipal obligation for the non-uniform pension plan was listed at $86,239, while the police pension obligation was $68,943. Council approved the obligations subject to state aid coverage.

Tony Cowburn was appointed as the borough’s permanent representative to the Northern Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission-related NRAT/NRAT COG organization. Cowburn accepted the appointment, with arrangements to be made for his participation in relevant meetings.

Council also continued work on a proposed amendment to the borough’s noise ordinance. The amendment is intended to address nighttime noise and specific sources of sound, including church bells, while allowing exceptions for certain circumstances such as emergency work. Borough Solicitor Ann Leete is expected to review the proposed language before it returns to council.

Property maintenance and dangerous buildings also received attention.

Officials discussed several properties requiring action or continued monitoring. A property on North Main Street was given a final notice, while action involving an East Second Street property was paused because of an upcoming sheriff’s sale.

The condition of the Crittenden property was another concern. Council plans to send a letter to the owners and their legal representatives regarding the building’s condition and the need for stabilization and repairs.

Officials also discussed ongoing maintenance problems at properties on Woodlawn Avenue and Seventh Street. The borough plans to contact the company responsible for maintaining a USDA-deeded foreclosure property on Woodlawn Avenue over concerns that the entire yard needs to be properly and continuously mowed.

The borough is also looking into grants that could help finance rehabilitation of historic downtown properties, including the Crittenden and Zito buildings. Officials discussed the possibility of facade grants and other Main Street-style funding programs.

At the train depot, council considered repairs to the deteriorating front portion of the building. An estimate of approximately $4,800 was presented, and council approved spending up to that amount for the work, with discretion given to Todd regarding the contractor. Additional contractor quotes are expected before the work proceeds.

Parking meters were also discussed. New meters are expected to cost approximately $1,200 to $1,500 each, with decorative concrete work also potentially required as part of the installation.

The borough’s swimming pool was another topic of discussion. Officials reported a successful season and positive feedback from residents. Council plans to review the season’s results and consider improvements to operations and programming for next year.

As the meeting moved toward its conclusion, officials also discussed upcoming police training, including Officer White’s scheduled handgun and shotgun training.

The proposed BYOB speakeasy, however, remained the most contentious issue before council. While Sykes called for immediate action based on her concerns, borough officials were faced with determining how those concerns could be investigated and addressed without bypassing the legal protections and procedures governing zoning and business operations.

The council’s discussion highlighted the difficult balance facing municipalities when allegations of potential criminal activity arise around a proposed business. Public safety concerns can prompt calls for immediate intervention, but municipal officials must still establish a lawful basis for restricting a business before taking action.

For now, the issue remains under consideration as borough officials examine the proposed use, applicable zoning and occupancy provisions and the legal options available to them.