BUTLER TWP — The township zoning hearing board on Wednesday approved a special exception for Butler Eye Care to construct a new office building.

Board members unanimously voted to classify the optometrist office as a clinic and approve a special exception needed to construct the proposed building on property zoned for commercial use at a vacant lot at 391 Evans City Road, about a mile from its current office at 297 Evans City Road.

In January the planning commission recommended approval of Butler Eye Care's land use plan, which includes plans for the new 4,000 square foot building and parking lot. The township commissioners will consider final approval of the land use plan at an upcoming meeting.

Mary Ford, whose home on Saddle Brook Circle borders the rear of the proposed new building lot, said she was concerned about lights from the lot shining on to her property.

Zoning officer Jesse Hines said the ordinance prohibits lights shining from commercial to neighboring residential property.

Paul Simms, owner of Butler County Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, which is across the street from the proposed building lot, said he was concerned about traffic.

Michael McGrath, an optometrist at Butler Eye Care, said he hopes to begin construction within a year.

In other business, board members re-elected Greg Haughey as chairman and Heather Starcher as vice chairman.