BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Township commissioners on Monday night reviewed a sketch plan for a landmark property off William Penn Highway.
The proposed "Amaya” multi-use property would include a spa and hotel at William Penn Highway and Bethman Road — on 10 acres that used to contain the old John Frinzi Realtors offices.
- Bethlehem Township commissioners reviewed an updated sketch plan for the property
- It would have several uses at 4401 William Penn Highway
- It would feature an integrated health center with a 60-seat restaurant in its second phase, along with a teaching, educational and meditation center
The property would feature an integrated health center with a 60-seat restaurant in its second phase, along with a teaching, educational and meditation center.
The first phase would include an attached driveway leading to the existing building, parking lot drainage, three villas, a pool, gazebos and 91 parking spots.
For Phase 2, developers would expand the parking lot to 265 parking spaces and add meeting room space, a hotel and a spa.
The newest proposal calls for 57 total rooms and three villas.
Commissioner John Gallagher questioned the use of hotel rooms alongside a surgery facility for “minor procedures” such as tattoo removal and more.
“I don’t understand why somebody would come for days to stay in the villa, you know, to get Botox. This is just bizarre.”Commissioner John Gallagher
“I don’t understand why somebody would come for days to stay in the villa, you know, to get Botox,” Gallagher said. “This is just bizarre.”
Commissioners President John Merhottein said the number of proposed uses for the property is unclear.
He also reminded the board that the agreement surrounding the property was set in place when different commissioners were in charge.
The property abuts the Northampton Country Club golf course and is owned by Dr. Atul K. Amin, who lives next door. He bought the old Frinzi property in 2002.
This was commissioners' first look at the plans.
Last month, a representative for Amin said he would seek a conditional use variance from the zoning hearing board. The property is in an area zoned Rural Residential District and the Neighborhood Enhancement Overlay District.
Other business
Also Monday, Township Manager Doug Bruce said the municipal authority planned to borrow $2.49 million from the state to complete pollution reduction plan projects.
The stormwater fund would pay off the debt, he added.
Commissioners also approved a resolution 4-1, allocating $611,302 to purchase a truck-mounted combination sewer cleaner.
They also voted 4-1 to pay $128,157 for a small dump truck with a plow and spreader.
