BETHLEHEM, Pa. \u2013 The Bethlehem Planning Commission reviewed several residential and mixed-use development proposals Thursday, including projects that would add more than 200 apartments citywide.<\/p>\n
52-62 E. Broad St.<\/p>\n
Among the projects was a sketch plan review for 52-62 E. Broad St. The proposed infill development calls for a three-story mixed-use building with ground-floor commercial space and nine apartments. A 10th dwelling unit would be created by reconfiguring an adjacent building.<\/p>\n
In total, the project includes four commercial spaces, 19 residential and 45 off-street parking spaces.<\/p>\n
The applicant said the infill development is designed to fit the neighborhood in terms of scale and character.<\/p>\n
“We’re not looking to do anything drastic, just fit in with the fabric of the city,” said Vincent Marucci, the project architect.<\/p>\n
In its review letter, city staff commended the applicant for “proposing infill construction of an appropriate scale, massing, height and fenestration that are reflective of the neighborhood context and complete the street wall in this block.”<\/p>\n
Staff also wrote that “the project also achieves the goals of providing commercial space at the front street level promoting interaction between the semi-public and semi-private spaces, and the addition of ten dwellings in a location that supports greater density and helps to address the housing shortage.”<\/p>\n
“I do want to point out from a planning staff perspective and a city perspective we are pleased with this type of development in this part of our city,” said Craig Peiffer, assistant director in the city’s planning and zoning office.<\/p>\n
“In general, this is a nice infill project, [filling in] the missing tooth on the block,” Planner Matt Malozi said.<\/p>\n
For its part, city staff asked the applicant to conduct a traffic study, particularly regarding pedestrian activity.<\/p>\n
Staff also commented on zoning relief the applicant may need to move forward with the project.<\/p>\n
A dimensional variance would allow the applicant to reduce the required lot area per dwelling unit from 1,200 square feet to the proposed 690 square feet.<\/p>\n
A second dimensional variance would reduce the required 15-foot side-yard setback to 4 feet, 3 inches.<\/p>\n
In addition, a special exception would be needed to maintain the nonconforming sizes for parking spaces and drive aisles or to reduce the minimum required off-street parking.<\/p>\n
Because of the existing shared parking arrangement, staff encouraged the applicant to consolidate all four parcels.<\/p>\n
404 E. Third St.<\/p>\n
At 404 E. Third St., the commission approved a land development plan for a seven-story mixed-use building. The 15,000-square-foot project includes three commercial spaces on the first two floors and 80 apartments on the upper five floors. Residential amenities also are planned on the second floor. Residents would park in the Polk Street Garage.<\/p>\n
Thursday’s approval was contingent on the applicant satisfying city conditions regarding leased parking spaces in the Polk Street Garage and revising the west-facing fa\u00e7ade along Polk Street.<\/p>\n
In its review letter, staff requested revisions to utility connections, sidewalk easements, ADA ramp details, building entrances, traffic signage, water service connections and other engineering items. The city also directed the developer to pay required sanitary sewer, tree replacement and recreation fees before executing a developer’s agreement.<\/p>\n
Some residents opposed the project, citing tree loss and increased traffic.<\/p>\n
“I sit in Third Street traffic any time I’m going over there in rush hour; it will only be worse because of a project like this,” resident Chad Yoder said.<\/p>\n
Planning staff also recommended additional architectural changes, including more street-facing windows along Polk Street, consideration of public art and the use of bird-friendly glass.<\/p>\n
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A rendering of 404 E. Third St., Bethlehem, as presented on July 9, 2026.<\/p>\n
1405 North Blvd.<\/p>\n
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