A proposal for new construction of a multi-family residential building with parking deck at 143 W. Broad St. was tabled by the Historical and Architectural Review Board at the Aug. 3 hearing held at the Rotunda.

Representing the project was Jeffrey Parks and architect Antonio Fiol-Silva. Parks had gained approval in June 2018 from council after the HCC had previously denied him a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a six story one. HCC had considered the circa 1905 brick house as “contributing.” The neighboring houses had been razed in the 1970s when Route 378 was constructed, leaving it isolated between two bridges.

The applicants provided revised plans for the new structure, having eliminated a sixth story and provided samples of building materials reflecting the commissioners’ suggestions from the 2018 hearing.

Parks provided a slide show of buildings past and present in the surrounding area that were four or more stories tall, including the four-story Lehigh Stationary building on Main Street owned by his parents around 1965 and adjacent structures ,including one at five stories tall. These had burned down in 1970. He also mentioned the eight-story Historic Hotel Bethlehem on Main Street.

Fiol-Silva described how the apartment building would be constructed “like a ship in a bottle” while preserving mature trees on the property and dealing with the steep cliffs. The trees would screen the first two stories of the new building from view. The long building with 40 residential units would follow the contour of the hillside it is built on. There are 68 parking spaces planned for the lower level parking garage.

Commissioner Mike Simonson remarked favorably on the applicant’s choice of more natural materials, unlike what had been previously submitted in 2018.

As they had exceeded their 45-minute time limit, the applicants are to return with more details. “We’ll be back,” quipped Parks, channeling Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The property is owned by Parks, Dennis Benner, Garrett Benner and Brandon Benner through Skyline West, LLC.

Having tabled a proposal for a double-sided “halo lit” hanging sign for 516 Main St. at the previous meeting, the commissioners finally pulled the plug on it.

Evan Blose from FastSigns returned to represent SWBR Marketing & Media with a working model of his “halo lit” signage proposal.

Although this was somewhat different from the more common internally-lit box signs not allowed under historic guidelines, the commissioners found the 4-6-inch thickness of the hanging sign unacceptable, and were reluctant to set a precedent with this type of product.

Fortunately, Blose successfully scored a COA when he produced a “Plan B” for a traditionally thinner blade sign with the same graphics, and lighting provided by gooseneck lamps.

The three-story ornate building is owned by CTI-PA Investments.

Dennis Murphy obtained permission to remove and replace a wood picket fence and wood arbor at the rear of the property he owns at 36 E. Wall St. The new six-foot-high brick wall is inspired by a photo of an existing one from the 1850s. The walls are to flank a black six-foot-high salvaged wrought iron gate at the very back of the yard. The brick wall would continue for 11 feet along the side property line.

The brick and mortar are to be similar to the color and texture of Dennis and Sheri Murphy’s circa 1860 red brick house.

David Thomson was successful with his fencing proposal for 408 N. New St. He had received a COA for replacement and expansion of his deck with new posts, handrails and fencing in January 2021.

The deteriorating wood fencing at the front of the property would be replaced “in kind.” Thomson asked that the sagging wood picket fence between his house and his neighbor at 418 be replaced with four-inch wide picket slats spaced 2 inches apart to allow for better air flow. A six-foot treated lumber fence similar to what had been approved previously for the deck would be constructed against his neighbor’s stockade style fence at the rear of the lot.

The circa 1870 Federal Revival house is owned by David and Wendy Littner Thomson.

Representing 455 High St., owned by Tom Illick, John Neuman was granted a COA for roof replacement “as presented.” His selection of GAF slate line Antique Slate shingles, copper flashing, half-round gutters and round downspouts follow historic district guidelines.

HARB member Nik Nikolov received a green light for his proposal to replace gutters and shutters “in kind” at his residence at 130 E. Wall St. He was OK’d for repainting the siding and trim eggshell white and shutters, downspouts and gutters black.

All voting was unanimous except on Nikolov’s proposal as he had recused himself on this one agenda item.

Before adjourning, Chief Building Inspector Mike Simonson informed his fellow commissioners that Fred Bonsall had submitted his resignation due to health reasons. They reflected on Bonsall’s “impressive” 30-plus years of service on HARB.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for City Council to vote on it before proceeding. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.