A real estate developer appeared before the Borough of Honesdale Planning Commission on May 2, seeking a site-plan approval and answering questions from planning commission members.

Wendy Fulton from The Keith Corporation of Charlotte, NC represents the national real estate developing company that is the agent for Tractor Supply Company, a national retail company that seeks to open a facility at the former Salvation Army store on Route 6.

“We don’t sell tractors like John Deere,” Fulton said. “We sell a full range of supplies that farmers and ranchers need to do business, from new parts of tractors and other farm equipment to farm-horse-related accessories.”

Tractor Supply Company is the largest retail farm and ranch store in the United States. The company operates over 1,100 retail stores in 44 states, employing more than 18,000 workers, and is headquartered in Brentwood, TN. The store maintains a location in Liberty, NY.

“The company outlets are primarily located in rural areas and the outlying suburbs of major cities. Stores supply the unique products to support their customers’ rural lifestyles, from welders and generators to animal care products and men and

women’s work wear,” Fulton said.

Fulton said the company may hire between 15 and 25 employees.

The company is seeking a variance from the Zoning Hearing Board to establish 49 parking spaces in front of the building.

The commission stated that the site plan should contain a green strip of grass, trees and bushes along the front of the property facing Route 6. “A green space along the front of the property is very desirable and should be included in the plan,” said Mary Beth Wood, a member of the commission.

Fulton said that the new plan, which she showed to the commissioners, had such a provision already.

The 19,000-square-foot building would occupy the space where the old building stood.

The building will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“The approval process is moving along nicely and should be completed in a month or two,” said George Korb, chairman of the commission.

“We would like to be in by January 1, 2013,” Fulton said.