The developer of a 180-unit complex proposed on Allentown’s East Side received a big boost Tuesday.
After months of revisions and return visits to the Allentown Planning Commission, the final plan for the six-building complex at 630 E. Turner St. was approved by the board at its monthly meeting. There were some conditions attached, including addressing outstanding comments from city planning staff, public works and the Shade Tree Commission.
Developer Manny Makhoul first brought his first plans in March and has attempted to meet several conditions set by city officials. The wooded property sits at a gap between sections of Turner Street near Hanover Avenue. The 16.85-acres are about a quarter mile from the Northridge development site at the former Allentown State Hospital.
“This project has come a long way,” commission Chair Christian Brown said. “It has been an interesting evolution.”
Some of the conditions include adding a bicycle path, having the Shade Tree Commission review the landscaping plan that includes trees to replace those removed for the project, having more color and material variations for the apartment buildings’ facades, a residential amenity such as a playground or picnic areas, and wider sidewalks.
Engineer Joe Rentko, representing Makhoul, highlighted several revisions to the plan and brought in a geologist to address infiltration concerns. Updated renderings showed buildings with varied facades painted in black or white.
“Based on some of the feedback we got at the earlier meetings,” Rentko said, “[commissioners] felt that the buildings were very similar and cold, and utilitarian, and now we sort of broke up the facade a little bit. There will be different materials and different colors there.”
There was some back and forth about the proposed recreation area and playground that would be on the northeast corner of the property. The land will be open to the public, but will not be a formally dedicated public park.
Commissioner Craig Beavers wondered if the parks department could maintain it.
“I think [Makhoul] has concerns with the liability,” Rentko said. “We can agree that we’re not going to put up a sign that says, ‘private property, no trespassing.’ ”