Representatives from Cigars Inc. met with the Bethlehem City Planning Commission Feb. 11, seeking to expand their warehouse space. The meeting was hybrid in format.

The warehouse is located at 1911 Skillman Drive. Project engineer Charles Unangst of Hanover Engineers and developer Dominic Baker described the proposal to construct a 100,000-square-foot addition to the Cigars Inc. warehouse located in LVIP VII.

The purpose of the proposed addition is to expand the humidor and warehouse space for the business. When the site was originally developed, lots 15 and 16 were combined to allow room for the proposed expansion. The addition will have loading areas at its front.

Zoning Director Darlene Heller pointed out there is a different façade design for the Industrial Redevelopment zoning district, with more landscaping required to block loading docks.

“That’s okay, we can work with that,” Unangst responded.

Commission member Heribito Burgos asked about the waterline plan.

“You are doing an eight-inch line to a 10-inch and back down to an eight-inch back to building?” he asked.

“Up against the existing building, there is an existing waterline and an existing eight-inch lateral to the right of way,” Unangst said. “Because of the addition’s water needs, they need a 20-inch, but instead of digging up Spillman Drive, we can connect to the existing lines, and based off that increase and capacity from the new tap, that will provide enough pressure and flows for the addition. We’re doing this so we can prevent digging up the city street. It is adequate; fire water flow is adequate. It looks weird, but it works.”

Commission member Linda Cohen asked if the building has been reviewed as far as fire department access to the east side of the new building?

“My understanding is the plans were submitted to the fire company and approved,” Unangst replied.

The expansion plans were approved by the commission.

In other business, a review of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) was also on the agenda, and Heller asked when discussions could be held on it.

Chairman Robert Melosky suggested that workshops be held, but not during the planning commission meetings.

Commission Vice Chair Matt Malzoi said the meetings or workshops should be held in a public forum.

Melosky commended Mayor Robert Donchez for his leadership in the health field, and said the COVID vaccination process is moving forward.

“The city has done an outstanding job in getting people vaccinated,” Melosky said. “Thank you to the Bethlehem Health Department.”