The May 13 city Planning Commission meeting began with a review of four blighted properties. The city had sent letters to the owners, who were all out of town or out of state, but none appeared at the meeting.

Michael and Gretchen Devers own the lot at 129 Luna St. Represented by attorney Michael Recchiuti, the Devers sought a partial vacation of an unused portion of Luna Street and the never opened Bushkill Street. Luna Street dead ends to the east at lot 129. There is no macadam. The street serves as a means to get to a shed on Bushkill Street, and the Bushkill subdivision was never developed. The plan is to raze the building on lot 129, and build a house and detached garage on the lot. Sharkan Realty owns the nearest property, and they are not opposed to the vacation. A new legal description would be submitted.

Attorney Jim Holzinger presented the land development plan for the proposed Wawa on Route 412 at the city’s eastern edge. “As you know, this property is a gateway to the city” he began. CJ Booth, the project engineer, spoke of the city’s review letter and the waiver of curb and sidewalk requirements. Director of Community and Economic Developent Alicia Karner said the city needed time to review the most response, and Holzingr said he would be amenable to returning once that happened. The Gateway sign design may become a contest. Wawa agreed to commit $20,000 to the contest, and the design would be voted on by the property owner, a representative from Wawa, and two persons from the city.

Holzinger said time was an issue. The Commission voted to approve the land development plans, conditional on the items in the city’s May 6 letter. Chairman Robert Melosky said that Holzinger and Wawa would need to return to the Commission after the Engineering Study was completed.

Auto Zone appeared, represented by Deborah Shuski. She said “Since November, we have worked with your (the city’s) staff.” A still outstanding issue was the city’s request that left turns be restricted, as they are at the McDonalds. Auto Zone said this would be a non-Starter. However, as the discussion progressed, it appeared Auto Zone “would be agreeable” to a limited three hour turn restriction. Commission attorney Healy said, “The city is not giving up its discretion…In regards to discussions with Penn Dot, “Auto Zone may have input, but it is ultimately at the city’s discretion. “

Stefano’s Restaurant came forward with a revised plan for their site at 2970 Linden St. The existing restaurant will be razed, then rebuilt, and four stories of apartments will be added to the site. The fire marshall reviewed and approved the site plan. Commission member Debra Cohen asked about elevation drawings for the site. Dwayne Wagner explained that those drawings would be submitted “when we go before the Zoning Hearing Board.” Cohen expressed her dislike of the building in the plan, saying it had a “long monolithic look.” The plan for the upper floors will include balconies, and the commission requested a plan for the planting of trees as well.