ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A redevelopment project that would bring 267 apartments and office and retail space to the city’s riverfront passed through Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s comprehensive planning committee Tuesday.
The property, at 249 N. Front St., formerly was the site of a furniture manufacturer, but has been vacant for at least a decade.
“It is a welcome reuse of the site in terms of it being a largely vacant site for at least 10 years,” Gomez said.Allentown Planning and Zoning Director Jennifer Gomez
In addition to the apartments, plans from Lehigh River Development Corp. call for more than 21,000 square feet of office space and about 24,000 square feet of retail/commercial space.
Comments on the proposal reviewed by the committee included how the project aligned with FutureLV: The Regional Plan by encouraging reuse and redevelopment, job creation and economic revitalization, walkable communities, meeting the city’s housing needs and more.
However, they also included suggestions for improvement, such as coordinating with Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority to design bus stop-supportive infrastructure near North Front and Chew streets, as well as incorporating sustainable building practices, among others.
The comments passed unanimously.
Evaluating the proposal
Allentown Planning and Zoning Director Jennifer Gomez said officials now are evaluating the proposal and completing the technical review.
“It is a welcome reuse of the site in terms of it being a largely vacant site for at least 10 years,” Gomez said.
“We're still assessing the height and want to ensure there's a compatible design, as much as possible, particularly with the relationship with the street and pedestrian environment.
“So we'll continue completing our review over the next few weeks, and thank LVPC for any feedback they provide.”
Plans call for a 16-story building, “the tallest within the waterfront area at the time,” Gomez said.
After passing the comprehensive planning committee, the proposal will go before the full commission on Thursday.
The project also is slated to go before the city Planning Commission on June 10.
Data, academic centers
Also during the meeting, commissioners reviewed comments for zoning ordinance amendments in Upper Mount Bethel Township as well as a zoning map change in the city.
Upper Mount Bethel officials are working to change their zoning rules to include definitions and regulations for land uses regarding data centers — a Valley first.
“Data centers are an emerging land use in the Lehigh Valley, and Upper Mount Bethel Township is to be commended as the first community to bring forward an ordinance regulating these land uses.”Chief Community and Regional Planner Jill Seitz
“Data centers are an emerging land use in the Lehigh Valley, and Upper Mount Bethel Township is to be commended as the first community to bring forward an ordinance regulating these land uses,” Chief Community and Regional Planner Jill Seitz said.
Data centers are built to house computer and related infrastructure.
Aspects of the proposed ordinance align with best practices, such as clear definitions, noise performance standards, phased/campus development and encouraging underground utility lines where feasible.
However, improvements could be made when it comes to height limitations, parking minimums, design and aesthetic standards, and sustainability, among other areas.
While noting township officials are working ahead should a data center be proposed, LVPC Executive Director Becky Bradley said, “we understand that there has been a non-disclosure agreement signed with a potential end user.”
In the city, Cedar Crest College officials are seeking to change the zoning for 2851 College Drive.
Currently zoned residential, the property would be rehabilitated to hold a technology/academic center.
“While retaining the external residential character, the space will be used by college staff for seminars,” Regional Planner Joseph Dotta said.
“No students are expected to be living in this property, and the building will be open during regular business hours during the day.”
Comments on both projects were unanimously approved.
