Jan 16, 2019 1 min read

CHARLEROI – Citizens Bank will be downsizing and relocating its Charleroi branch.

The Rhode Island-based bank is renovating 501 McKean Ave. as its new downtown Charleroi location, a short walk from the existing office at Fifth and Fallowfield Avenue, a borough official said.

“They’re committed to keeping a branch in Charleroi. That’s a positive,” Charleroi Councilman Larry Celaschi said.

“It’ll be great to see,” he said.

The move is part of efforts to “modernize our branches,” some of which are being relocated to meet the needs of the communities, a Citizens spokeswoman said.

A date for the move was not immediately known as workers were inside 501 McKean Ave. performing renovations.

Celaschi said the bank has closed it drive-through branch in the borough along Old 71.

He said the McKean location most recently housed Bruno and Son’s Diner.

With the Citizens move, “You’ll have an occupied store and be maintaining (bank) jobs,” Celaschi said.

“I’m happy we’re not losing them,” he added.