The Bethlehem Zoning Board heard four variance applications in its December 18 meeting, granting all but one. The most discussed item was the proposed five townhouse development at 262 Ninth Ave. The property is in a zone where multi-family dwellings are permitted but must have at least 2,500 square feet of lot area per unit, with maximum building coverage at no more than 30 percent of the property. Arnold Alleyne, owner of both 262 Ninth Ave., LLC and general contractor Arnolds Paradise Construction, sought relief from both requirements, as they would necessitate either decreasing the number of units or making the townhouses narrower than currently designed. “The architect looked at the properties on the street and wanted to match the width and style to keep it very similar to what’s existing,” Alleyne told the board.

About a dozen neighbors of 262 Ninth attended the hearing, several giving testimony and asking questions of the developer. Deborah Trexler of Spring Street said that the demolition currently occurring on the property is problematic. “It’s a danger to children, the house is open, the doors are off, and it’s been like that for seven weeks,” said Trexler, “I’m a little concerned if that’s the way the demolition is being handled, how is the building going to be handled?”

Neighbors also expressed concerns about parking and pedestrian safety. Amanda Daja of Eighth Avenue requested that a sidewalk be added. Bernard Telatovich of Benchmark Engineering testified on behalf of the developer, stating that while a sidewalk is not currently in the designs, residents could raise that issue with the Planning Commission. He also advised that each townhouse will have a garage and driveway for off-street parking.

Deanna Lyons of Spring Street testified that she does not want to live next to a complex with dumpsters or other external areas in which trash accumulates. Alleyne stated that he would ensure all units use a waste company that provides individual garbage and recycling bins, which the tenants will store in their garages.

The board unanimously granted the variances with the condition that there be no dumpsters on the property.

Also attracting public commenters was the application by developer Michael Villani, who seeks to subdivide his property at 737 Seventh Ave. Currently the lot is sixty feet wide and contains one unit of a twin home. Villani proposes to split the lot into two thirty foot wide parcels and build a single-family home on the vacant piece. Zoning code requires lot width of forty feet, and multiple neighbors spoke in opposition to the crowding of their block. The board unanimously granted the variance, and some in attendance stated their intent to appeal.

The board unanimously denied Polk Street Development Associates’ application to allow an Action Karate franchise on the ground floor of the Third & Polk Building, 310-322 East Third St. The space is zoned for restaurants, retail stores, or personal service establishments. Action Karate is classified as an exercise club, which is not a permitted use.

Granted unanimously by the board was an application by the owners of 448 Vera Circle for a coverage variance. The home as the owners purchased it was non-conforming at double the 35 percent limit, and they are now replacing their deck using the same dimensions