The first order of business for the Planning Commission’s Oct. 8 virtual meeting was the consideration of a language change to the zoning ordinance in the mixed business and residential zones in North Bethlehem around Main Street’s business district, and the similar area of South Bethlehem including Third and Fourth streets. The intent of the change would be to clarify the city’s desire to have retail, restaurants and personal service businesses occupying the first floor of mixed-use buildings.

Melosi said the change had been first proposed in 2018. He questioned whether the pandemic and closures have caused a permanent shift from retail stores to online purchasing. He asked what the city could do to encourage growth in the area.

Alicia Karner said the city has been using the time to connect with local business owners, to discuss their needs and their opinions on how to improve the look of the areas.

Zoning Darlene Heller highlighted the consistent growth of restaurants in both areas.

“We need to entice international travelers,” Karner said, “you might not think they are traveling right now, but they are.”

The commission voted to recommend the adoption of the language changes to city council.

The next item was the review of a site plan for a proposed Autozone at the five points intersection on Wyandotte Street, across from Macdonald’s. The plan would include the razing of an existing but closed auto repair shop, and three residential buildings. The store would have windows on all four sides. Some would be tinted. The site would include a parking lot for about 30 cars, but employee parking spot would also be used for delivery truck parking

The main issues raised were the traffic in the area, the reduction of housing in a neighborhood that already needs more affordable housing, and the size of the delivery truck.

Autozone proposed making the part of Sheets Sreet behind their building two lanes, and making the entrances right turn only.

The right turn only lanes effectiveness was questioned, with the consensus being that drivers would ignore them.

Louis James, who owns James Funeral Home on Center Street, and is President of the South Bethlehem Historical Society, spoke in the latter role. He said that the site plan looked great, but that the location was not. He touched upon existing traffic issues, the backing up of vehicles on Wyandotte from Friedensville Road to the Main Street exit, and the hazards presented to pedestrians. He also pointed out that Broughal MS and a large church nearby produce a large number of pedestrians on the streets. Finally, he address the residential buildings that would be torn down: “I don’t think it’s a good option. Tearing down a house will create space for parking, but what we need is affordable housing in South Bethlehem.”

Commissioner Malozi added that a PennDOT review would have to take place, as they have jurisdiction over changes to the roadway.

The representative from Autozone said they would formally revise their waiver list, but they had hoped that some of their waiver requests could be granted immediately, before a final site plan was presented. However, Melosky explained that nothing would be approved that evening.

The final case was 1838 Center St. Attorney Sue Cardill represented developer Abe Aityeh, who was presenting a new plan for the property. He had previously submitted plans for a psychiatric hospital, an apartment complex, and a grocery store on the site.

The new plan is for a senior living facility. Atiyeh said it would follow the plans for the apartments. The facility would have five buildings, with four in front, and a larger building behind. The parking lot would border Center Street.

The size of the parking lot exceeds the city code standard. Atiyeh called the city ,parking requirement inadequate. He also balked at trading parking spot for green space, saying “Center Street is not what it used to be, it’s 512 now,” and that if the commission wanted green space, they could look at the adjacent cemetery. He also mentioned the tract he owns on the southeast corner of the city, that so far has not been approved for development.

Melosky reminded Atiyeh that the reason he was there was to receive feedback on his plan.

Commissioner Cohen said she found the building closest to the corner unattractive.

Atyeh responded he would be returning with an updated plan in a few weeks.

Before the meeting concluded, Melosky announced in an emotional statement, that commission member Louis Stellato would be stepping down. Stellato has been on the commission since 2016, and was previously on the Bethlehem City Council.