Lehigh Valley Real Estate

Officials held a grand opening for 1528 West Apartments on Friday, which is World Down Syndrome Day. Ten of its 49 apartments are reserved for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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 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.