BETHLEHEM, Pa. \u2013 The Bethlehem Planning Commission on Thursday approved a land development plan for the Eastern Gateway, also known as Gateway on 4th, at 1400 E. Fourth St. The two-phase project includes four buildings with 120 apartments, retail space, a fitness center, a community room and parking.<\/p>\n
A majority of the units would be affordable, available to applicants at 60% of the area\u2019s median income and below, the applicant said.<\/p>\n
According to planning commission documents, planned site improvements include surface parking, stormwater facilities, landscaping, a playground and a trail connection to the South Bethlehem Greenway.<\/p>\n
The commission reviewed the proposal in May but tabled action after citing engineering, fire safety and zoning comments outlined in the city’s review letter.<\/p>\n
According to Kris Reiss of T&M Associates, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, revisions since that meeting include additional fire lanes and a fire hydrant at the corner of William and Fourth streets, additional trees and steep-slope matting along Fourth Street, and redesigned parking areas with landscape islands and space for the fire department’s ladder truck.<\/p>\n
“Thank you for understanding the procedure\u2026ironing out all those things, coming back, and it seems a lot cleaner. We appreciate that,” planning commission Chair Rob Melosky said.<\/p>\n
The project\u2019s 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
Other business<\/p>\n
The planning commission also reviewed plans Thursday night for several other residential and mixed-use proposals, including projects that would add more than 100 apartments citywide.<\/p>\n