With an agenda too full to deal with in one evening April 19, the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission convened a second meeting for the month to handle the overflow.

Developer Rafael Palomino, attorney Leo DeVito and architect Jordan Clark were defeated in their bid to gain a certificate of appropriateness for a major project for 317-327 S. New St. Their proposal had been tabled at a previous meeting.

The commissioners unanimously denied the COA citing issues with the size and scale of the proposed multi-story, mixed use apartment building, as well as tearing down what they deemed “contributing structures” to make way for the high rise. Some expressed concern about a portion of the new building being constructed over Graham Street, which is a city-owned alleyway.

Chairman Gary Lader, Vice Chairman Craig Evans, Roger Hudak, Beth Starbuck, Seth Cornish and Mike Simonson all agreed the proposed 10-story building fails to comply with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards concerning new construction.

Before the ruling, five members of the public weighed in. Bethlehem residents Rachel Leon, Ed Gallagher, Kim Carrell-Smith, Breena Holland and Al Wurth argued that, although a bit shorter than previously proposed, the new structure was still too tall.

City planning director Darlene Heller noted Mayor Bob Donchez’s support of the project.

In response, the residents encouraged HCC members to uphold historic district guidelines, despite political encouragement to do otherwise.

Disappointed with the decision, DeVito said, “We’ve listened to the commission, we’ve listened to the comments, which is why we’re at the 104 feet, but that’s our envelope.” He said the project could not be economically viable at five or six stories.

Starbuck rebutted, “There are a number of recent developments in the area that is five stories and less, and they have been successful.”

The row of properties are owned by 325 S. New Street Development, LLC.

Property owner Greg Salomoni, assisted by architect John Lee, received reluctant approval to continue with a COA from four years ago for 215 - 217 Broadway for demolition of a partial addition structure, including the foundation.

It requires salvaging the razed building’s decorative stonework and bricks so they can be utilized in the rebuilt façade. If the cast stonework cannot be saved, it is to be replicated.

In 2017, Salomoni was looking to expand his restaurant and nightclub, the Broadway Social at 217 Broadway, from his renovated 1885 firehouse into the building next door, a former store, at 215 Broadway.

Meanwhile, the Broadway Social closed and was later replaced by Revel Social, from 2018 until it shut down in 2020.

Lee successfully argued the patchwork of stone foundations for the building at 215 was “toast.” Details for the new 25-foot by 107-foot addition proposed for the site of the former store needs to come before the board for review.

The vote was five in favor and one against. Cornish voted “no,” repeating his previous decision on the proposed project as “inappropriate, as presented.”

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts. Hearings are regularly scheduled on the third Monday of the month.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The commission’s recommendations are later reviewed, then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.