BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After 25 years of development, progress at Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII has reduced its more than 1,000 acres to fewer than 30 remaining parcels.
On Thursday, LVIP President and CEO Kerry Wrobel sought to develop yet another portion of the site, saying the project aims to meet the region’s growing economic needs.
Wrobel’s plans include a 49,920-square-foot warehouse and flex-industrial building at 1550 Spillman Drive.
“It came to our attention that there was a dramatic need for quality industrial space buildings that are sold instead of being leased,” Wrobel said.
The proposed site covers approximately 220,457 square feet, or about 5 acres, and lies between Spillman Drive to the north, Lynn Avenue to the east, East Fourth Street to the south and property owned by Lehigh Forge Corp. to the west.
The building will address a gap in the Lehigh Valley’s economic development landscape, Wrobel said. He told planners the intent is to sell the building to a light manufacturer whose operations produce no emissions or odors, and require no outside storage. He said his group was patient enough to find the right buyer.
The plan includes 57 parking spaces, two loading docks and associated lighting, landscaping, stormwater management, utilities and other site improvements. The property is zoned Industrial Redevelopment.
The plan was approved in two motions, one of which granted a deferral of the sidewalk requirement on East Fourth Street and Spillman Drive until the neighboring property is developed.
The Bethlehem Planning Commission also reviewed several other development proposals during its meeting on Thursday at Town Hall.
LVIP President and CEO Kerry Wrobel said the building will address a gap in the Lehigh Valley’s economic development landscape.
Semi-detached homes
Planners considered a project at 740 William St. where a developer is proposing three sets of semi-detached homes, totaling six units, in a residential zone. The applicant said the area’s landscaping and slope affect the townhomes’ design. The two-and-a-half-story units will include a basement-level garage, a main living level with a rear exit and three bedrooms.
A key consideration in the sketch plan is whether the city should amend zoning to allow for development denser than the single-family homes currently permitted.
Planner Matthew Malozi said he did not have a better idea for using the lot, given its challenging geology. Planner Joy Cohen encouraged the applicant to include sidewalks for potential tenants, noting families may live there.
Townhouses
Planners also reviewed a sketch plan for 539 Brighton St., where the applicant proposes demolishing an existing 1950s-era single-family home and building six townhouses with two off-street parking spaces each. The buildings’ fronts would face west, and the two-story units would include basements below grade. Plans also call for flattening the lot’s slope and adding a small retaining wall.
“The project is in a location where I feel, between the growth city on Southside with St. Luke’s in the area and the Wilbur Apartments, this is a great project to marry well with the area,” commission Chair Rob Melosky said.
Apartments
Lastly, planners reviewed a proposal for 128 E. Fairview St., which calls for a three-story, six-unit apartment building with 10 off-street parking spaces and access from Dodge Street.
Developer Dominic Villani said the project includes four two-bedroom units and two two-bedroom units with dens. He noted that space above a stairwell, called the den, is often used as an office.
Discussions about the project included stormwater piping material and Americans with Disabilities Act-sidewalk access.
Ultimately, the full commission approved the project contingent on the applicant meeting conditions outlined in the city’s review letter.