Sean Boyle sought a variance to build a second floor deck at 2066 Forge Run Road from the Bethlehem City Zoning Hearing Board Oct. 14. He was represented by attorney Gregg Feinberg.

The variance was for the deck stairs, which would encroach on the rear yard setback. The stairs would allow the residents of the home to access the back yard and the lower level of the home from the upper level living area.

According to attorney Feinberg, the deck and stairs would not “alter the essential character of the neighborhood,” as they would be hidden from view of the neighbors, and also from Freidensville Road.

Board member Peter Schneck asked why the stairs could not be rotated 90 degrees, to avoid encroaching on the setback.

Boyle replied the stairs would then go across a first floor window, and would still encroach on the setback. He added the stairs would provide a “second means of egress” from the upper floor.

The house is presently under construction, and Boyle eventually plans to sell it.

The board approved the building of the stairs as planned by Boyle. He was told the written decision would be provided in 45 days. He was offered the chance to begin construction at his own risk.

The second case was 1949 West Broad St. Enrique Matos is seeking to build a four-unit multi-family home on a vacant lot at the location.

Matos was represented by attorney Adrian Cousens.

Zoning Officer Craig Pfeiffer indicated that parking relief would not be required.

Board member Carol Ritter asked what the rental fee would be.

Matos did not offer a dollar amount, instead saying he would “be willing to work with Section 8.”

Vincent Marrucci, who is the architect for the project, explained the parking area would be eight feet from the building, and four feet from the porch. The exit would be on Ritter Street.

Board member Peter Schneck asked if a landscape buffer could be provided “between the parking and the building.” Both Matos and Marucci agreed it could be.

The board approved the plan, stipulating that the plan would be followed as described, and a buffer would be placed between the building and the parking area, with vehicles exiting on Ritter Street.

The final case was Miles and Smiles LLC, an Amazon van trucking facility at 3464 Linden Street, appearing before the board in response to an enforcement notice issued Aug. 7. They were also requesting a variance for an extension to their operating hours.

Attorney Joel Wiener represented the company. Daniel White, a partner in Miles and Smiles was also present.

White described the vehicles as “sprinter vans”, saying he had 70 of the vans, and that no more than 150 vehicles (including personal vehicles belonging to employees and drivers) would be on the site at one time. Miles and Smiles leases the property.

There is also a small maintenance facility on site for the vans.

The company operates 365 days a year.

The property borders Linden Street and Falcon Drive. Several neighbors attended the meeting to protest the noise the business produces.

John Stevenson, of Falcon Drive, described the mornings, at 6:45 a.m, as “horns blowing, and Mr. White yelling at them to stop...for 25 minutes.”

Anna Hanna, who works from home, described noise from the company “at night and an the afternoons.”

Nader Hanna said he went to the company in early summer to complain about the noise, and was told, “it is what it is.”

Acting Chairman Jim Shantz asked the zoning officer if the city had any stance in the matter. Zoning officer Craig Pfeiffer said no.

The board voted 4-1 to deny the extension of business hours. Attorney Wiener said they would probably appeal.