The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission’s approvals sent two complicated projects forward at the commission’s in-person but masked Sept. 20 meeting.

Architect Michael Metzger represented the ambitious project at 30-32 E. Third St. Previous phases of the rehabilitation of the Goodman Building have been met with success since 2017, including stabilizing the deteriorated structure, installing a new roof and mold remediation.

Metzger was granted a certificate of appropriateness for his updated plans for the older structure and proposed addition that incorporated several of the board’s previous recommendations. The vote was unanimous.

The addition, to be built on a vacant lot adjacent to the former furniture store, was reduced from five to four stories tall. Samples of the red brick veneer were approved.

The existing building and the first level of the new structure would be for retail, restaurant, or commercial use. A total of 12 one-bedroom apartments are planned for the addition’s upper floors.

Collaboration 3 Development is listed as the property owner.

Architect John Lee, with contractor Harley Shupp seated nearby, scored a COA for the properties at 215-217 Broadway. The project involves demolition of the two-story commercial building at 215 to create a 25 by 107 foot addition to the neighboring former firehouse at 217, which had been converted into a nightclub.

Lee explained, while it has been several years since the proposal was brought before the board in 2017, the current proposal meets the commissioners’ recommendations and requirements, including foundation plans along with cut sheets of the metal panel system and material samples.

According to Lee, Greg Salomoni, the property owner, is in negotiations to purchase the parking lot adjacent to the building that is to be torn down. Current plans have the new construction pushing into part of that space.

When questioned by Vice Chairman Craig Evans about what would happen if the sale falls through, Lee responded the new building would be scaled back to fit within the existing space. The applicants were cautioned not to proceed with demolition until zoning and other requirements were met and the additional property was purchased.

“The last thing we want is a big hole there and no project,” reassured Lee.

The voting was 5-1, with Seth Cornish as the dissenting vote. “I voted ‘nay’ four years ago,” Cornish said, adding he still believes it is “not appropriate.”

John Lee was granted unanimous approval on a project for another client, Cathiern Kelly, owner of 510 E. Fourth St. The porch roof had collapsed on the front façade of the 2.5-story late 19th century house. The board allowed for a replacement shingled porch roof and new support posts. They required the down spouts and gutters connect to one that drains under the sidewalk.

Two signage proposals received unanimous support from HCC.

Cathedral Church of the Nativity Senior Warden Richard Sause and architect Micah Mutschler gained a COA for a corner sign proposal for the venerable church at 321 Wyandotte St. The sign consists of a single sided aluminum sign with masonry support elements, including a stone veneer column and cast stone cap on one side, and three new LED uplights. The name of the church is in white letters on a red background measuring 15 feet, 8 inches by 3 feet, 10 inches with, a graphic of a shield logo at the left of the serif letters.

Karen Greenlee from Pro Signs was permitted to replace existing signage at the Speedway station at 201 Broadway. The 2-tier digital message part of the pylon sign displaying prices for unleaded and diesel is to be replaced with a 3-tier unit featuring a digital message that toggles between “With Pay Card” and “Without Pay Card” posted above the gas prices. The messages and prices are to change every 10-12 seconds, which is slower than city code requires.

The signage was approved as the building, sign, and canopy over the pumps are not considered historically contributing structures.

The property is owned by Hess Realty, LLC.

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. The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18.

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.