BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem planners on Thursday gave a nod to site plans and related variances for 69 apartments — some designated as "affordable" — planned along the city’s Eastern Gateway.
Greenway Park Associates, of North Bethlehem, proposes to demolish all existing structures at 1323-1339 E. Fourth St. and 1138 Steel Ave. and consolidate six parcels into one, for a development to be known as Greenway Park.
“The proposed 26,256-square-foot, four-story, mixed-use building facing East Fourth Street will include 4,000 square feet of commercial space and 69 apartments, with associated amenities along with off-street parking and a parking garage with access from Steel Avenue, located at a level on the street that is one level below the East Fourth Street access,” said Ana Martins, consulting engineer with Van Cleef Engineering, of Bethlehem.
"The proposed 26,256-square-foot, four-story, mixed-use building facing East Fourth Street will include 4,000 square feet of commercial space and 69 apartments."Ana Martins, engineer with Van Cleef Engineering
The plans call for 43 one-bedroom apartments — including 15 studio and 28 one bed-one bath options — as well as 26 two bed-two bath apartments.
A mix of offerings
Gina Vary, director of client engagement with Alloy5 Architecture, said some of the one-bedroom units would be 607 square feet and others 830 square feet.
Two-bedroom units would vary between 1,274 or 1,382 square feet.
Vary said the first floor would feature mailbox access, while the fourth floor would offer an indoor fitness center adjacent to an outdoor landing area for resident use.
All would have “great views” over the skate park, Wind Creek Casino area and Lehigh River, Vary said.
Developers plan for 87 off-street parking spaces, 10 of which would be on an exterior space, with most accessible on a lower level from Steel Avenue.
Commercial space on the front street level would total 4,000 square feet.
Zoning relief, affordable status
The application looks for zoning relief because of the shape of the lot, including a break from the typical 180 feet for a proposed 221-foot building length, as well as a proposed 69 dwelling units in an area where 33 typically are allowed.
“We think that the site can absorb a greater density than what’s permitted by right by zoning ordinance,” said Darlene Heller, the city's director of planning and zoning. “It’ll really be up to the Zoning Hearing Board to determine how much additional density.”
“I generally like the plan, for probably an underutilized site right now, to turn it into a mixed use."Bethlehem Planning Commission member Matthew Malozi
The surrounding neighborhood has a variety of commercial and residential buildings in the East Fourth Street portion, while the Steel Avenue area is more residential with mostly 2.5-story structures.
“I generally like the plan, for probably an underutilized site right now, to turn it into a mixed use,” planner Matthew Malozi said.
He said he had concerns regarding the development’s density but wanted to see more from the stormwater and parking studies to come.
Heading to zoners
An automobile repair shop, tire shop, office and more currently operate there on a 0.931-acre parcel, with shared access from Steel Avenue.
The South Bethlehem Greenway and Bethlehem Skate Plaza also are nearby along Steel Avenue.
The proposal is set to go before the city Zoning Hearing Board on Jan. 24, 2024.
