City planners, in a hybrid meeting Sept. 10, reviewed a Jackson Street property plan by Stefan Gross, representing owner Praymen Oez, to consolidate three properties in order to build nine town homes, in units of three. Units will face the fronts of three streets, with parking in the rear that are possible student housing. The streets are local, and the owner would have to put in sidewalks and other improvements. Curbs and sidewalks would need to be added on Selfidge Street, and the roadway may need to be expanded as well.

Oez is concerned that under the city’s new student housing overlay plan, his units could not be rented to students. He is still hoping that since his project is already in progress, it may be grandfathered in to the student housing use exceptions.

City Zoning and Planning Director Darlene Heller said it was still a possibility.

The next case was variances requested for the placement of gas pumps at the Westgate Mall. Weis Market is moving to the former Bon-Ton building, and the pumps would be adjacent to the building.

Planning Commission Chairman Melosi said he is “looking forward to this project shining as a gateway to the city.” Approved to forward to the hearing board.

The next case concerned a Gateway on the east side of the city, at 74-84 Hellertown Road. Attorney James Holzinger submitted the site plan for review, for referral to the Zoning Hearing Board. Holzinger does not feel this plot meets CL designation, as it is on a main artery. He is seeking a variance to permit a Wawa Convenience store and gas station on route 412. According to C.H. Bach, Engineer, the property contains four tracts, partly in a flood plain. An existing billboard would be moved to the north side of property. The plan has 55 parking spaces. Zoning and Planning Director Heller asked if there is a way to create more pervious coverage. The response was that the spaces will all be needed. Curbs and sidewalks are fairly new, installed in 2016. The plan was approved to be submitted to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Next was 1535 Butztown Road. Kevin Horvath and Dominic Villani plan to create a four- lot subdivision on the parcel, and were seeking a deferral of sidewalk requirements, due to the proximity of an existing farmhouse to the road. To place a sidewalk in front of the farmhouse would come to within two to three feet of the front porch, and steepen the driveway, and necessitate the removal of three mature trees. A letter from the city’s public works department, dated Aug. 10, supports the deferral of a sidewalk on that portion of the parcel. Valerie Samuelson requested a stripe line be placed on the roadway in front of the farmhouse.

Board member Melosi asked if the center lots had any access to Butztown Road. Villani replied that there was no vehicular access from those lots to the road. Instead, an easement on lot 23 would provide access to the center lots.

Villiani also noted that if the farmhouse were sold in the future, the buyer would be responsible for sidewalk improvements.

The application was temporarily approved, until the farmhouse is removed, or the property improved, and line striping was done.

The next case also involved Kevin Horvath and Dominic Villani Jr. At 2321 Linford St., Bethlehem, Villani plans to build an eight-unit multifamily dwelling, with a 17 space parking area. Sewer and water extensions would be needed, and roadway improvements would be made. Sidewalk width would be reduced to four feet, due to an issue with a five foot sidewalk encroaching on private property. Commision member Lou Stellato asked if the access was all from Linford Street. Villiani said parking spaces would be in front of the units and across a drive aisle.

Each unit would have its own entry, and Villani plans to redesign the entrances to provide more privacy. A letter from the City Zoning and Planning Department, dated Aug. 28, outlining the city’s requested changes to the site plan.

The site plan was approved, subject to the conditions of the Aug. 28 letter, and extension of the sidewalk to meet Linford Steeet. Included was a condition that the height of the building not exceed two and a half stories. Villiani said this would be accomplished, with decorative dormers on the top half story. The units would all be two bedroom, two bath, with open concept living areas.