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More Competitive Car Market in Luzerne County

HAZLE TOWNSHIP — Two car dealerships opened their doors Tuesday near Hazleton and two more will be opening soon. If you have driven down the airport beltw...

HAZLE TOWNSHIP -- Two car dealerships opened their doors Tuesday near Hazleton and two more will be opening soon.

If you have driven down the airport beltway in Hazle Township, you may have already seen four new car dealerships under-construction.

The Kia and Hyundai just opened their doors. It will be a few more months before new Nissan and Honda are open for business.

"Good! The more the better,” said Charles Yablonski of Freeland. “[Why?] We have a lot more places to select from. Ya know."

Yablonski is in the market for a new car, so he's happy with the timing of the new dealerships and hopes it encourages a more competitive car market in the area.

However, Hazleton native Debi Scalise isn't as enthusiastic. She said, “I think it's unnecessary. People in Hazleton can't find a job. Who can buy a car if you can't find a job?"

When all dealerships actually open, they should bring about 200 full-time jobs to the area and at least 30 part-time jobs.

"We are really focused on hiring from the community and giving back to it,” said Michael Fanning. He is the general manager for all the new dealerships that are actually owned by two former New York Giants football players Jessie Armstead and Antonio Pierce. Linebackers, who chose when retiring, to trade in their love of football for a love of cars.

“Early on they talked about the car business. Of course everyone loves cars, and what to do after football. Things worked out to their benefit,” added Fanning. “They met up with Mike Saparito the third partner and had a vision, and here it is."

Fanning says research from their car manufacturer's show this part of Hazle Township has the population and proximity to the highway for the dealership to a good amount of business.

Adding with those former New York Giants players’ hands on approach, their secret to success may be the ability to translate the competitive mindset on the football field to the car lot.

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