Emmet Benner appeared before the Bethlehem City Planning Commission on April 8 on behalf of Skyline West, seeking an opinion on plans for 143 West Broad St. The city previously approved razing an existing building on the site. Benner explained they would be “taking a second look” at the sketch plan for a 50-unit apartment building on the site, which has a range of topography, for conformity to the city standard for historically styled buildings.

The building would have a basement and five livable stories. The penthouse level would have access to a rooftop patio. The HVAC unit would also be on the roof. Parking would be located below the building, along with a covered lot. Benner added the development would be confined to one acre of the site, with more than another acre left undisturbed.

Darren Heckman of Keystone Consulting Engineers further described the property as long and narrow, with a portion of the property owned by the city Redevelopment Authority. Stormwater management would be attained through a vault below the parking deck. Building residents on the east side of the building would have views of the Monocacy Creek.

Among the variances being sought for the building would be relief from having commercial space on the first floor. A setback variance was requested, since the 30-foot setback would place the building on a downhill angle. A slope variance was sought, as a number of slopes, both natural and man-made, are on the property.

City Engineer Michael Alkhall would review the needed variances.

Chairman Robert Melosky’s first comment was that part of the city is being considered for designation as a World Heritage Site. He voiced concern that “any project may jeopardize that designation.”

Zoning Director Darlene Heller countered that when the apartment complex was first proposed, it was already known that the Colonial District of Bethlehem could be designated a World Heritage Site. She said there are presently no parameters for the design or construction of the building. The Historic Architectural Review Board will have input on that at a later date. She added they would look closely at the parameters and buffer zone.

Chairman Melosky said the applicant had clearly put “a lot of time” into the plan for the building.

Vice Chair Malozi asked if it would be possible to reduce the size of the building, or excavate the building site for more subterranean levels.

Benner replied it would be difficult to develop the site farther down, and added that the project architects are skilled at developing in historic sites.

Commission member Barker complimented the sketch plan design.

The presentation ended with the information that the fire department wanted access to the center of the building. Benner added that they would work with the Planning Commission on pedestrian access and passage by the site, and Melosky urged them to consider a small café or the like on the ground floor of the building. He concluded by saying he looked forward to the group’s return.

A site plan review for a proposed mixed use building at 404 East Third St. was presented by Lou Pektor of Mechanic Street Development Associates, LP. The property is on the southeast corner of Third and Polk streets. The company has owned the property for 18 years, waiting to see what the best use for the property would be. Presently a small private parking lot is on the site. The plan is for a mixed-use building, and the developer would like to make maximum use of the site, with two floors of commercial space, likely restaurant or retail. The rest of the building is designed with student, graduate student and staff housing in mind. The aim is to pull students from Lehigh, out of the rowhomes, and to make Third Street more vibrant. The project is being led by Bohler Engineering and JKRP Architects. Gabriel Solms, project leader, presented the site plan and Modifications review. He characterized the project’s goal as promoting development on the Southside. He presented along with Matt Chartrand of Bohler. The property is under .4 acres. One driveway would be added on Mechanic Street. The existing Polk Street driveways would be closed.

Pektor said the retail floors would be oriented toward East Third Street. The residential entrance would be on Mechanic Street. The property is graded 9-10 feet higher at Mechanic Street.

David Urffer, AIA, of JKRP Architects described transportation near the site. Public transit is plentiful, with seven access points within a quarter mile. The site is 3/10 of a mile from the Lehigh University Business campus. In dollars, the projects looks to generate $39,000 in taxes for the city.

The plan is for 80 apartment units, 75 percent studio or one-bedroom units, 114 parking spaces, and room for tables for a potential first-floor restaurant. Pektor is planning on leasing spaces in the planned Polk Street garage, but as that project is not finalized, he is also considering putting language in the tenant leases requiring them to lease their own parking spots or to not have a vehicle.

Chairman Melosky said, “Now, prior to the final product, you’re doing this the right way. When I went to college, it was a not uncommon thing to implement a lease agreement (for parking) with students. This (area) is where we want student housing to be.”

When asked if Lehigh University had been contacted about the parking situation, the reply was, “We view Lehigh as a competitor.”

Board Member LindaCohen asked about the various setbacks, and whether the fire department had been consulted. Bohler will contact the fire department.

Resident Dana Grubb called in and said, “Lou [Pektor] and his team met with the South Bethlehem Historical Society. We understand the project is outside of the historic area.”

Chairman Melosky asked about the parking, “has the city decided on the Polk Street garage?” Zoning Director Heller replied it was “still in the works, some things have changed.”

The plan was approved with several waivers and one condition: The owners must secure lease or make conditions for 114 parking spaces before the final plan review.