July 13’s meeting of the Bethlehem Planning Commission saw one site plan viewing and votes on two land development plans.

Joseph Rentko, president of Black Forest Engineering, presented a site plan for 1411-2435 Greenview Drive. The location is the former home of the Church of the Manger, UCC. The proposal for a 24-unit townhome community on the 2.7 acre tract of land began with a description of the surrounding neighborhoods. The neighborhoods included both single family and twin homes.

The plan includes a single driveway access, with blocks of four two-story town houses surrounding a 48 space parking area. Rentko described the development as a pocket neighborhood. Soil testing showed the site has good drainage. The site plan has already gone before the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. The site plan is under review by the state.

Commissioner Matt Malozi asked, “Just to confirm, there will not be blocks of homes with sprinkler rooms in between?” Rentko confirmed the sprinkler rooms were no longer in the plan. Malozi added, “The 20 foot vegetative buffer looks good.“

The city had asked in a letter if the northernmost units could be oriented toward Greenview Dive. Rentko said, “ I don’t think the owner is 100 percent against it, though I think it makes more sense to have central access to one driveway. In my humble opinion, I like the layout now.”

Chairman Robert Melosky sought a compromise, noting the commission has approved projects where the facade is adapted.

Developer Dominic Villani said, “It is an irregularly-shaped lot, [the current layout] is giving more of a buffer yard to the neighbors in the back. We are willing to do more landscaping, possibly a split rail fence.”

Commissioner Matt Malozi added, “Sidewalks throughout the site and plantings could really make a difference.”

The next presentation was a Land Development Plan for 218-226 W. Union Blvd. Kevin Horvath from Keystone Consulting Engineers represented the developer, Monacacy General Contracting. Horvath described a four-story building, with 39 apartments with parking and retail below the apartments.

Chairman Robert Melosky asked how the applicants would make sure the apartments were flood-proof.

Horvath said the first floor, which was comprised of retain and parking, 12 inches above the flood line. He added the plan is consistent with the existing footprint of buildings on the property, and the entire site is graded so that water drains freely through the parking area. This was a revision due to earlier commission notes.

Playman Azavov of Monacacy General Contracting said the building would consist of 27 one-bedroom units and a dozen two-bedroom units, with additional office space and 1,600 square feet of commercial space.

Malozi, Chairman Melosky and Commissioner Tom Barker congratulated the applicant on a good plan, which was unanimously approved.

The last presentation was a plan for the Banana Factory at 25 W. Third St. Justin Clee of Bohler Engineering represented the project. He was joined by ArtsQuest President Cassie Hillgert. Clee said the plan had been approved by the Historic Commission July 7. He described the plan to reduce impervious land on the lot. An increase of eight parking spaces would be offset by an outdoor area which would be used during summer programs. There will also be a small garden installed to the north of the parking area. These changes would reduce the impervious space by 8,500 square feet.

Commissioners unanimously approved the five-story project.

The next meeting has been moved to Aug. 17 due to Musikfest.