EASTON, Pa. — A land development plan for a new multifamily housing unit on W. Nesquehoning Street was approved by Easton Planning Commission on Wednesday.
The three-level property, intended to be built at 1018 W. Nesquehoning St. in the city’s South Side district, will feature one 1,080-square-foot apartment per floor, and five parking spaces for residents.
The property now is an overgrown lot.
The applicant originally sought variances for the project related to a planting buffer, lighting in the parking lot and installation of street trees, but a revised plan narrowed the necessary variances to a minimum.
Attorney Victor Scomillio said the developer had accommodated issues previously raised by the city, leaving only a few questions about the installation of street trees.
“The street trees just remain a discussion that we need to have to determine where, if any, street trees would be placed,” Scomillio said.
“There is an existing tree on the lot. And like I said, there are two out front that are only 65 feet apart. Where do we put one that is sufficient for a tree to survive and not overcome each other in their growth?”
Planning and Codes Director Dwayne Tillman said the matter could easily be addressed with city officials.
“We can have further discussion about that with our arborist" Tillman said. "If those ones are adequate where they're at, at that distance he might require, maybe one in front of the property."
Commissioner Hubert Etchison raised one of his favorite questions for most proposed projects in the city, pointing out the plans for 1018 W. Nesquehoning St. seemed ideal for a renewable energy setup.
“You have a brand-new building with no covering shade trees. Have you considered solar panels or any other alternative energy to develop offset the impact on the grid?” Etchison said.
Scomillio said the topic had not come up during the development of the plan, though Etchison did state he had discussed the matter with state Rep. Robert Freeman’s office.
He said there were programs that could help with equipment installation if need be.
Scomillio also addressed a question regarding impervious coverage on the property, stating current plans show 51.5%, though adjustments could be made, and if not, his client would seek another variance.
Conditional final approval was recommended by the commission for the city’s zoning hearing board.
