BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Bethlehem Planning Commission approved land development plans for two projects Thursday night.

The first project was proposed for 934-946 Evans St. — site of the former Casa Blanca Nightclub — and 1004 Evans St.

The applicant was looking for a lot consolidation to pave the way for a 37-apartment housing project.

Of the 37 apartments, seven have two bedrooms, 29 have one bedroom and one is a studio, said David Hitzel of HH Evans St. LLC. Additionally, a parking lot with 40 spaces is planned for 1004 Evans St.

In addition to the Evans Street lot, the apartment building lot will have 10 parking spaces, two of which are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, Hitzel said.

There would be an entrance from Ridge Street to the apartments and an exit onto State Street.

Ultimately, the body approved waivers related to buffer yards and landscaping percentage, which was under the city’s 10% requirement, at 9%.

The variances were approved in a joint measure by the planning commission.

Additionally, the body approved the land development application, including a lot consolidation, contingent upon the applicant meeting the conditions of the city’s review letter.

The measure also solidifies via covenant designating 1004 Evans St. as a parking lot for 934-946 Evans St., per a previous decision by the city’s zoning hearing board.

Retro Burger property

Planners also approved a land development plan for Retro Burger at 1223 W. Broad St.

Offered by restaurateur Juan Carlos Paredes on behalf of West Broad LLC, the applicant proposes to remove the former drive-thru and construct a two-story elevated addition containing six multi-family dwellings, four two-bedroom and two one-bedroom units.

Architect Karen Andrews presented on the project, which initially included a 40-seat seasonal dining area above the one-story existing structure. That dining area is no longer included in the new plans.

Overall, the project received positive marks from the planning commission members.

“This is the right place for this project,” Malozi said.

“It’s good to see investment made in existing property,” he said.

The project met all conditions for building height, impervious surface coverage and parking, officials said.