BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Bethlehem Planning Commission heard an application Thursday night for a proposed Royal Farms convenience store and gas station near Lehigh Valley International Airport.
The city issued a formal sketch plan review letter detailing recommendations before the proposal moves forward.
“These are a lot of recommendation statements that we make based on good urban design principles,” said Craig Peiffer, assistant director of planning and zoning.
He emphasized that the current “prototypical” design fails to anchor the corner, capture al fresco dining opportunities or properly accommodate pedestrians.
“There’ll be some opportunities for outdoor dining,” said Chuck Fitzpatrick of Bowman Consulting Group, speaking on behalf of the applicant.
He also said a sidewalk extension is planned along Airport Road.
The plan for the 5,194-square-foot store and fueling station at 2355 Avenue A sits on a prominent northern gateway corner along Airport Road, according to city documents.
In its letter, city planners discussed relocating the convenience store closer to the intersection, reorienting its main façade toward Airport Road and moving the gas pumps to the rear. Officials also recommended avoiding flat roofs to give the building a two-story appearance.
Engineering and traffic reviews also raised concerns.
Traffic consultants noted that two proposed “right turn exit only” driveways on Avenue A could cause illegal U-turns. Officials also warned that simulated truck routing paths unacceptably block the full width of the eastern driveway upon entry and spill into opposing travel lanes when exiting.
The site also must safely incorporate an existing cross-access easement used by the adjacent Pennsylvania State Police barracks.
Because Thursday’s meeting involved only a sketch plan submission, no formal action was taken at this stage.