EASTON, Pa. — Northampton County Courthouse's parking garage may be replaced with a new, updated structure that could accommodate a few more vehicles.
And provide Easton with just a bit more green space.
Easton Planning Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to recommended the city Zoning Hearing Board approve a conditional final land development plan for the garage.
The 38,991-square-foot, three-level garage with 322 spaces would replace the existing garage at 669 Washington St.City planning documents
It's set to replace the existing garage at 669 Washington St.
The plans list the destruction of the standing structure and construction of a 38,991-square-foot, three-level garage with 322 spaces.
It also would eliminate an entrance along Washington Street and convert the existing surface parking area into open lawn space.
The new entrance and exit would be in the rear of the garage that will be accessible from an existing fire lane, Planning Administrator Carl Manges said, which could be accessed via South Union Street.
Manges said Lehigh Valley Planning Commission had supported the conditional plan approval.
'A better build'
Pennoni Associates Division Manager Thomas Serpico said the new building would essentially be just like the existing garage, “just with increased spaces, and then also an increased open space for the lot.”
“It's a better use for the parking garage for the county, and that's basically what they're trying to propose," Serpio said.
"The major upgrade is that it's new infrastructure, more spaces, that's going to function pretty much exactly the same way in terms of service.”Pennoni Associates Division Manager Thomas Serpico
"In general, it's going to function in almost the exact same way in terms of stormwater, traffic, things like that, there's really no major upgrades.
“Or I shouldn't say there's no major upgrades or improvements, but the major upgrade is that it's new infrastructure, more spaces, that's going to function pretty much exactly the same way in terms of service.”
Board member William Heilman asked Serpico exactly why the project is being proposed, and Serpico cited the additional parking spaces, green spaces and improved infrastructure.
He also said it would be “a better build than what’s currently there.”
'Almost the same as it is currently'
Asked by Commissioner Hubert Etchison if there would be electric vehicle charging stations in the parking garage, Serpico said he would have to confer with the architect on the project.
“I believe that was contemplated, but I’m not sure of the total number of them,” he said.
Etchison responded, “That’s curious. One way or another, we’re going to end up with a lot more electric cars.
"I would encourage you guys to think more seriously about at least having the ability to add a significant number of chargers.”
Etchison also asked about solar panels on the roof of the building to help offset electricity use.
Serpico said he was not yet 100% sure about it, though the architect would know more about that particular subject.
Asked about any concerns over eliminating an entrance to the garage, Serpico explained the change should not significantly impact traffic.
“Based on a traffic study that was put together by our transportation department, where the queuing and what sort of traffic that goes on to South Union Street eventually gets to Washington Street," Serpico said.
"It's going to function almost the same as it is currently.”
He said construction of the garage and the elevations around it lends itself to having just one entrance and exit.
'As little disruption as we can'
Commissioner Ken Greene asked whether an agreement between the city and county over using the current parking spaces in the lot during off hours would continue to be honored.
Serpico said, “I believe that the intent would be for that to continue,” though details would have to be worked out between the city and county.
The additional green space would “make the project as easy as possible,” in addition to helping with stormwater management, as it would provide more pervious space.Pennoni Associates Division Manager Thomas Serpico
As for the green space, Serpico said it would “make the project as easy as possible,” in addition to helping with stormwater management, as it would provide more pervious space.
Serpico said the project is expected to take a year to 18 months.
Asked what will happen for residential parking in the area during construction, Serpico said the developer would try to complete the project as soon as possible.
“I know that they're in the process of getting prefabricated pieces that will be able to come in, be constructed, and try to get this up as quick as possible,” Serpico said.
“So that's the goal, to have as little disruption as we can.”
