BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Bethlehem Planning Commission on Thursday reviewed a sketch plan for six townhomes at 1224 Eaton Ave.
The project would share the lot with a single-family home now on the property. Site plans show the units stretching the length of a building set perpendicular to Eaton Avenue, bordered by an apartment complex to the west and Heckenberger Dental to the east.
Joseph Rentko of Black Forest Engineering, representing the applicant, said the plan likely needs zoning relief. The proposal calls for 23 parking spaces, short of the 27 required, and exceeds the allowable lot size by about 5,000 square feet.
Planners recommended demolishing the single-family home to address space issues. Craig Peiffer, deputy director of planning and zoning, said the city supports either a significant modification or removal of the house to allow for a wider, two-way driveway.
Commissioners also suggested “flip-flopping” the layout to create more recreation space and room for emergency vehicles to maneuver. Chair Rob Melosky called the lot “tight” and lent his support to the idea. The city’s comment letter also urged considering garden-style apartments with varied facades for a softer transition.
No official action is taken during the sketch plan review phase of a project. Instead, it is an opportunity for applicants to receive feedback from the commission about their plans.
Peiffer said more detailed comments will come during the land development review.