\u201cI think it\u2019s a very nice proposal. We\u2019re used to seeing review letters that are not as extensive. I would prefer it if it were possible to defer this,\u201d planner Joy Cohen said.<\/p>\n
The applicant agreed to return, potentially in July, for further commission review and possible approval.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re still working through a lot of these; there\u2019s nothing in here we\u2019ve identified as not able to comply with,\u201d said Kris Reiss of T&M Associates, who spoke on behalf of the applicant.<\/p>\n
Planning commission Chair Rob Melosky said he was confident the applicant would be able to address the comments.<\/p>\n
In its April 24 review letter, the city\u2019s Bureau of Planning and Zoning detailed revisions and approvals needed before the project can move forward through the land development process.<\/p>\n
The proposal for the commercially zoned property includes four residential buildings, retail space and related site improvements across two phases of construction.<\/p>\n
Phase one would include Building A, a four-story structure featuring about 1,200 square feet of retail space; a 750-square-foot fitness center; a 1,350-square-foot community room; and maintenance and utility areas on the first floor.<\/p>\n
Floors two through four would contain 44 apartments, according to plans.<\/p>\n
Building B, also part of the first phase, would contain 16 apartments and 20 below-grade parking spaces because of the site\u2019s topography. Additional improvements would include a 45-space surface parking lot, stormwater facilities, landscaping, lighting, a trash enclosure and a mailbox shelter.<\/p>\n
Buildings C and D are part of the development\u2019s second phase.<\/p>\n
Building C would be a three-story structure with 44 apartments, and Building D would contain 16 apartments and 20 below-grade parking spaces. The second phase also calls for a 45-space surface parking lot, a tot lot and a paved trail connection to the South Bethlehem Greenway.<\/p>\n
The applicant said the project received relief from a requirement for commercial usage on the frontage and from reducing the front yard setback.<\/p>\n
Reiss also said the applicant is coordinating with LANTA on relocating a nearby eastbound bus stop along East Fourth Street because of site constraints and anticipated transit demand from the project.<\/p>\n
Among the requirements outlined in the review letter, the developer would need to pay a sanitary sewer tapping fee of about $221,983 and obtain approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection before building permits could be issued.<\/p>\n
City reviewers also requested revisions to stormwater management plans, including additional drainage details, updated pipe specifications and documentation showing how runoff and increased impervious coverage would be handled. Officials noted the project could face a stormwater escrow charge based on the increase in paved surfaces.<\/p>\n
Fire department officials raised concerns about emergency vehicle access, ladder reach and road widths around the proposed buildings. The review letter states developers must demonstrate that fire apparatus weighing up to 84,000 pounds can safely access the site and that ladder trucks can reach the full length of at least one building along East Fourth Street.<\/p>\n
The fire department also requested architectural drawings for one of the buildings, additional hydrant placement and confirmation that underground infiltration basins could support heavy emergency vehicles.<\/p>\n
Planning and zoning reviewers additionally cited parking layout issues, bicycle parking requirements and accessibility standards for electric vehicle charging stations.<\/p>\n
Officials also said the project should align with the goals of Bethlehem\u2019s Climate Action Plan, including energy-efficient construction, safe walking and biking access and other green development measures.<\/p>\n
Eaton Avenue townhomes<\/p>\n
In other business, the commission approved plans Thursday for five townhomes at 1224 Eaton Ave., contingent on the applicant meeting conditions outlined in the city\u2019s review letter.<\/p>\n
Plans include three single-family townhomes in one cluster and two semi-detached single-family homes in a second cluster. The townhomes would stretch the length of a building set perpendicular to Eaton Avenue, bordered by an apartment complex to the west and Heckenberger Dental to the east.<\/p>\n
The development would share the lot with an existing single-family home, which the applicant does not plan to demolish.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6a06a8c6bed8e.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A rendering of the townhomes proposed at 1224 Eaton Ave. in Bethlehem.<\/p>\n
Plans also call for 11 off-street parking spaces, an emergency turnaround, dumpster enclosure and other site features. A new ingress-egress drive along the east end of the property is planned for vehicular access.<\/p>\n