Some Dormont residents are upset that A.B. Charles Hobby Shop is moving to another location, but Andrew and Maureen McCauley, who live nearby on Biltmore Avenue, are more concerned about the fate of Dormont's main street.

Number One Cochran Pontiac bought the Hobby Shop property at 3213 West Liberty Ave. and plans to display Nissan vehicles in a lot there and to provide additional customer parking.

"It will change the character of the borough," Mr. McCauley said.

But it looks like a done deal. Council, the planning board and the zoning hearing board have given their blessings.

Solicitor Thomas H. Ayoob III said the company complied with the requirements of the application process. "They satisfied all the requirements up to date."

Mr. McCauley said he heard from officials that the lot, with no building on it, will bring in no additional millage for the borough. "Just another ugly car lot," he said.

He said he was afraid West Liberty Avenue in the Dormont business district would soon resemble Route 51, an area sometimes criticized by individuals and organizations trying to upgrade it.

Mr. McCauley said changes could affect property values.

Mayor Thomas Lloyd acknowledged later that the only millage on that property comes from the value of the land, although the new owner said he doesn't know what the millage impact is.

"One of our goals is to be a good neighbor," said Rob Cochran, chief executive officer of Number One Cochran.

"We're at the top of the list at our other locations in Monroeville and Robinson Township, and we want the same thing in Dormont." He and his staff encourage customers to shop at Dormont businesses while visiting that location.

Two years ago, the company bought the buildings and land owned by McMinn Oldsmobile at 3200 West Liberty, near the hobby shop, and upgraded that showroom, Mr. Cochran said.

He said he wanted more parking space for the customers "so they would have a nice, convenient buying experience."

But Mr. McCauley feels betrayed by his borough officials, who he said should have informed the public better about all the hearings and meetings. "We need political leadership."

He wanted to organize a petition drive against the Cochran dealership but said the mayor advised him it was too late. Mr. Lloyd said he should have counseled him differently and suggested a petition opposing the further expansion of car dealerships in the future.