Lehigh Valley Real Estate

Challenges for would-be homeowners in Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley are even more evident, with housing reflecting a mix of aging stock, rising values and a growing divide between homeowners and renters.

Just five months after officially being in business in their recognizable bright yellow teardrop-shaped trailer, co-owners Melinda Schneck and Josh Elmer are expending Roasties Mobile Cafe into a brick-and-mortar coffee shop. It'll take root where the couple says its heart is: Macungie.

Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone's workforce housing ordinance passed council on Wednesday, launching a new program to promote affordable residences for those who fall in the middle income bracket.

Lehigh County officials gathered Friday to celebrate the finish of structural steel work on a new building at the county-run Cedarbrook nursing home. Officials initially hoped the building would be open by now.

The Coalition of Manufactured Home Communities of Pennsylvania held a get-together Wednesday to discuss the lot rental price jumps throughout the communities, and tell residents how they are combatting it.

Developers behind a 73-unit condo in Easton secured a land development plan approval on Wednesday, though not without plenty of discussion about parking.

On Wednesday, about 60 people were present at Town Hall regarding the project pitched for 312 Hanover St. in West Bethlehem. Many argued the developer was trying to cram too much into too little of a space.

While North Whitehall Township planners took no action on the project, developers offered an update on their active adult residential community plans on Tuesday.

The proposal would be a conditional use within the township’s Rural Residential Zoning District, meaning the applicant has to take part in a public hearing process before township supervisors.

Residents near a planned land development apartment project on Township Line Road have concerns over potential environmental impacts and increased traffic.

No vote was taken Wednesday by the Bethlehem Historic Architectural Review Board on the proposed seven-story, mixed-use building planned for the Historic District.

City and county officials came together on Easton's Ferry Street on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a four-unit affordable housing building which once served as the Italian Presbyterian Church.

The almost four-acre property is near the intersection of Easton Avenue and Farmersville Road, across from Blue Grillhouse and just down from Notre Dame High School.

Easton Housing Authority obtained a set of variances that will allow for development of a 45-unit affordable senior housing project and dedicated parking in the West Ward.

Several planning commission members questioned the use of a gate to regulate traffic and suggested developer Manny Makhoul instead extend Turner Street across his property.

Plans call for buildings of 50-plus feet, but they won’t seem that tall to neighbors, according to the developer.

The project, named Emerson Village, calls for the construction of 57 townhomes and 59 single-unit homes on 35 acres at 3626 Rural Road.

On Wednesday, HARB, the recommending body to City Council that weighs proposed changes to the exterior of buildings in Historic Bethlehem, said it wanted to see revised plans for the former 555 Main St. five-and-dime at its next meeting on April 2.

The Northampton County General Purpose Authority voted Tuesday to transfer a small lot along 25th St. to Skyline Investment Group, the developer working to turn the old Dixie Cup factory into more than 400 apartments.

The board’s unanimous vote brought an end to Monday's meeting just before it entered its fourth hour.

The work is supported by a $1 million reimbursement grant through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, for “the design acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.”

Just around the corner from Main and Broad streets, Darto's has operated at the same 46 W. North St. location for more than 40 years. It will be replaced by another restaurant of some sort.

The North Whitehall Township Planning Commission reviewed updated plans Tuesday for a 110-home subdivision along Rising Sun Road.

A Bethlehem developer wants to construct 70 apartments above ground-level commercial space and parking at 701-719 N. New St. An amendment to the zoning map will be required to build as proposed.