Zoning Hearing Board - Regular Meeting

Yeah. I told you. These aren't even

She was trying to I know. I saw the email.

I couldn't understand. Everybody knew.

I'm going to announce the hearings for tonight. The order of the hearings. First hearing is where is it? 1113 1123 Center Street. Second hearing will be 843 Catel Street. Third hearing will be 219 North Thirdrd Street.

Fourth hearing will be 673 North 13th. Fifth hearing will be 51719 Northampton Street. Sixth hearing will be a lot of streets on Philip Street as will the seventh hearing also is yeah 130 to 138 and then one yeah 142 to 144 Phillips

I didn't I didn't check up deate Well, probably not the old business. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,

nine. I have 10. What do you have? 27 should be the one at 132. They're the same. This one I have four. So then we don't have the last.

Am I right? The last movie that we have next was We don't have a good Yeah. It's in my head.

All right, I'll open up the first hearing and the secretary read the purpose, please. You want me to read the whole purpose?

Uh, actually, Mr. Chairman uh if I could we'll just summarize this is uh the appeal of Nicholas Zorski who was requesting sunundry variances in connection with some new construction. They were supposed to be here before us last month requested a continuence. We now have another hearing deferment request and waiver of time. uh reason given is a conflict on the part of their legal counsel and so I would entertain a motion to move this over to the next hearing of the board on March 16 commencing at or after six o'clock.

All right. Is there a motion? I Mr. Lobac I Miss Thomas I Mr. Mr. Catella. Hi, Miss Volcano Hall. Hi. Hey. Was there anybody here for that hearing? 1113 1123 Center Street. No. Okay.

Okay. Yep. Hold up. Next hearing. Second to read the purpose, please.

All right. Application is hereby made for a public hearing before the eastern zoning hearing board for a property known as 843 Catel Street zoning district college hill block class C. Variance is as follows. 59537D6 proposed so uh solar energy panels installed at roof edges less than the minimum 3 ft requirement. uh required in all cases. Solar energy systems shall be set back from all roof edges and from the roof ridge line a minimum of three feet to provide safe access for firefighters and other emergency responders. The above action is request to proceed with the installation of roof mounted solar panels. Uh the pellant is Nicole Reiner at 36 South Elm Street, Weinersville, uh PA1 1956. The owner is Adam and Suzanne Newsbomb at 843 Catel Street PA 18042. 20 adjacent property owners were notified.

Thank you. Is the applicant present? Nicole Riner. Oh boy. Sir, are you the applicant for 843? No, probably not. And Bob, you got you didn't get her anything. This was this was the one that was continued from last month. Remember, she was supposed to bring the contractor with her. Yep. Explain what they wanted to do.

Yeah. Yeah. So, we can either um table this till the end or we can dispose of it now. It's up to you board. All right, we'll table this one. All right, so we'll table until the end of the hearings. Was anybody here for 8:43? You guys are here for something. I know it. All right, I'm open up the next hearing. Second to read the purpose, please.

All right, applications hereby made for a public hearing before the East and Zoning hearing board for property known as 219 North 3rd Street in zoning district river corridor street corridor enhancement block class B variances as follows. 59534H 2A1B proposed area of limited duration sign of 298 square ft. The requirement each large limited duration sign shall have a maximum area of 12 square feet. The above action is request to proceed with a 192 inch wide by 234in banner to be hung on the side of Buck Hall with 30% open vinyl mesh material. This banner is proposed to be temporarily installed for the college's bsentennial year in 2026. The pellant is Samuel Morgan at 645 West Hamilton Street, Sweet 800, Allentown, PA18101. The owner is Lafayette College at 7:30 Sullivan Road, Eastn, PA 18042. Two adjacent property owners are notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you, gentlemen. I see the applicant's president, counselor. This is your only witness. I'm going to have her be sworn in right now. Anybody else here for this hearing for Lafayette College? Okay. Mr. Tman this property was posted. Yes, it was. Councelor, may I approach with my exhibits?

Thank you. Thanks, Mr. Chairman. For the record, what council has handed to each of us and Mr. Tilman will mark his copy as exhibit A1. Council, with your permission, uh, is listed table of contents, exhibits A1, A2, A3, and A4, which I presume council will go over during her presentation. That is correct. And if you could have your your client just give her name and address for the record, please.

Daniels, your mic could be on. Hello. Lauren Daniels, uh, 101 Bushkill Drive, East, Pennsylvania, 18042. Thank you.

Good evening everyone. My name is Stephanie Cobbell. I'm with Fitzpatrick Lince and Bouba and I represent the applicant Lafayette College. The name of the applicant Sam Morgan is actually an associate in my office who prepared the application. Uh with me tonight I have Lauren Daniels on behalf of the college. The property that is the subject of this appeal is part of the Lafayette College campus. The property is located at 219 North Thirdrd Street in Easton. It's in the river corridor with the street corridor overlay zoning district. It's a highly visible property along Route 22 as you're uh driving into the city and approaching Lafayette's campus. The property is currently uh improved with Buck Hall which is home to Weiss Theater named uh after former Lafayette president Dan Weiss. Um this is where the theater department presents its major productions during the academic year. So it's quite an important building to the college community. The applicant is hanging is seeking relief to enable it to hang a temporary banner to commemorate the college's bicesentennial anniversary. Applicant filed a zoning appeal, a copy of which is marked as exhibit A2. Um, just by reference, exhibit A1 is just the deed to the property evidencing that Lafayette owns the property. Um, this appeal is not seeking to change anything about the property as it exists today other than hanging a temporary banner sign on the site. Um, applicant is seeking the uh following relief uh of variance from section 595-34H2A1B to uh permit a proposed temporary banner sign that exceeds the maximum square footage of 12 square feet. I I would say initially we submitted the appeal for a sign that was um 231 square feet. We have uh reduced that sign uh area you know in looking at

it. One of my questions to the college is always is does it have to be this big? So there is a reduction and we'll go through that in the testimony this evening. The testimony will establish that the applicant meets the criteria for the requested signage relief and therefore it should be granted. This time I'd like to introduce Lauren Daniels. Lauren, how are you affiliated with the college? Project manager. And in your position at Lafayette, are you familiar with the property that's the subject of this appeal? Yes. Located at 219 North Third Street on the arts campus. And the 219 North Thirdrd Street property, is that in the river corridor with the street corridor over overlay? Yes. And what's located on that property? Uh, currently Buck Hall is located there, which is a performing arts building.

And what is the college proposing tonight? Uh, one to hang one temporary banner sign that would be up through the duration of the rest of this year um to commemorate the college's bsentennial anniversary. So, the purpose of the sign is limited to the college's bsentennial anniversary. Correct. And when would that come down? At the end of 2026. Um, does the city of East End have a certain criteria relating to signs? Uh, yes. Section 595 34H2A1B uh permits a maximum signage area of 12 square feet for limited duration signs within the uh River Corridor um zoning district.

And did the college file a zoning appeal for the sign? Yes. And what relief are you seeking? uh to have a total signage area of temporary signage area of 231 square feet. And did you appear before the city's historic uh district commission with regard to this sign? Yes, we did. And at exhibit A3, is that a true and correct copy of the um decision of the historic commission? Yes. And can you tell the board how the historic commission felt about the sign? um they felt um favorable towards it that um to celebrate the history of Lafayette College.

And did they acknowledge the very unique nature of the fact that the college is celebrating its 200th anniversary that coincides with the nation's 250th anniversary? Yes. And the sign we're here for today is that 192 in by 224 in or approximately 231 square feet? Yes, that's correct. When we appeared before the historic commission, how large was the sign? At that time, it was 192 in by 234 in. So, the size of the sign was reduced slightly from what was presented to the historic commission? Yes, slightly.

Can the college reduce the sign any further given the scale and size of the building? We think that the smallest that we can reduce it to um based on the facade of the building and where it's located for visibility. And did the commission talk about the scale of the sign? Uh we did not specifically talk about the scale of the sign, but they approved it as as it was. The commission didn't talk about the scale and size of the sign and Oh, well they noted that the size that we brought to them was was good and they they liked the the way it looked. Correct. Okay. At this time, I'd like to turn you to exhibit A4. Are you familiar with the renderings that are exhibit A4? Yes.

Is that a true and correct rendering of how the proposed sign would look affixed to the building? Yes. All right. Can you walk the board through these plans and just describe the the signage? Sure. So, um, the temporary banner would hang on the left portion of the facade, um, which is kind of set back a little bit from the street. Um, and it would, um, celebrate the bsentennial with, uh, the 200 logo. And what will the sign be made of? Uh, 30% open mesh material. And how will the sign be affixed to the building? Um, we will have anchors on the back side of the parapit that you can't see from the street. and then overhang it with um cables.

So at the end of the bsentennial this sign can be redu removed rather from the front of the building with zero damage to the front of the building. That's correct. Yes. And can you explain to this board why the size of the sign 192 in by 224 in is essential? Um yes for visibility for Route 22. um and based on where it's going to be hung on the front of the facade. And and does the side of size of the building face really require a larger sign area for visibility purposes?

Yes, it does. And just so the board can kind of put this in context, what is the total square footage of the front facade of the building? Uh 20 about 2400 square feet. Okay. So the sign is 231 square feet of that 2400 square feet. That's correct. And is the styling and size of the sign consistent with other signage on campus? Yes, it is. And you previously testified that the college considered a larger size for this sign of 298 square feet. Yes. And did the college reduce the size of the sign to more closely align with the zoning ordinance? Yes, we reduced it to uh approximately 231 square feet. So about a 12% reduction. Yes, that's correct.

Can the college further reduce the size of the sign? Uh we do not think we can based on the location of the building and the design. Um we think that's the smallest aesthetically that the sign could be and the college has modified the size of the sign that would be best suited for its purpose. Yes. Um in your experience for a sign of this type is this location suitable? Yes. Um, are all other ordinance requirements uh pertaining to the hanging banner signs met here for the proposed signage? Yes. So, this is the only relief you need? Yes.

And will this sign comply with the limited duration requirements under the ordinance? Yes. And is this sign, excuse me. Is it your position that any property owners adjacent to the property will not be affected by the requested signage? Uh, no. they will not be um affected. It's uh facing Snyder Street which doesn't have residences on the other side. That's where Route 22 is located. Okay. Do you believe the requested signage relief in the context of a major college campus is is minimal given the size and the duration of time that the sign will be present? Yes.

Do you believe the v the variance will have an adverse impact on public health, safety or welfare? No, it's uh not going to affect the front of the building. The anchors will be hidden and will be able to be removed at the end of the year. And it won't be flashing or lit or anything like that? No. Um do you uh believe that the requested variances will create a public safety hazard? No. Do you believe that the uh requested relief is a reasonable adjustment of the zoning ordinance? Yes. And as we previously went through, is this the minimum relief necessary for the requested signage? Yes.

Um, I have nothing further of this witness. It's a temporary banner sign. I would like to move for my exhibits to be admitted. Okay. Does the board have any questions? Just a couple. Um, the board granted a variance for a commemorative sign on a building in Center Square. As the project manager, do you can you tell us whether there are plans for signs anywhere else in the city? Not that I'm aware of. Um, no. Do we have the sign on the alpha building?

Manager, you would be aware if there were plans? Um, typically, yes, I I would say so, but I I don't know of all all the plans. Okay. And what's across the street from this building? Uh, parking lot is across the street. And there's no residences on the block. No. Okay. Uh, that's all I had except I have a dumb question. Sure. Since it's commemorating the 200th anniversary, why does it say it? What? Why? Why does it just say 200? Why doesn't it say 200th year or bsentennial or 200th anniversary? I can't answer to that. That was the logo that was developed.

I'm just thinking and it is consistent with all the other logo signage. No, no, no. I mean, I it was just, you know, if if the goal is to communicate that message to those who aren't already aware of it, I don't know that that does it. It does have the year. It says 18 uh 26 to 2026. So Oh, does it? Yeah, it's a little hard to see. For my new glasses to see. I was going to say it's a little hard to see, but Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. Lopes. Um just out of just for the record curiosity, so it was originally 298 and you're reducing it to 231. Change

correct. I did some quick math just again. 192 in is 16 feet. 224 is 18.6. That's 298 square feet. Am I unless just cur again I'm not a big deal.

Yeah. 231. Wait. 192* 224. Is that what you said? I'm sorry. Yeah. And I hope I didn't mess up the math in front of the college, but that's all right. I'm hoping the college didn't mess up the math in front of the board. Yeah. Yeah. I I don't I mean, I broke it down into feet. So 192 is 16 feet. 224 in is 18.6. And you multiply those two together and that's 298.56. Oh, well, here's the

Oh, yeah. I think was it reduced? Was it reduced after the district? Can I if you look at the if you look at exhibit A4 Yeah. It's actually 169 times 197. That's the reduction. The 192 * 224 was what was before the historic commission. Perfect. I didn't see that page either. I I didn't turn the page. Very good. We clarified that. We'll just leave it at that. Any other questions from the board? No further questions. Anything else you want to add?

No, just that this is this is a a unique circumstance given the 200th anniversary and it is a temporary sign um that is in a highly visible sort of entryway to the campus and we would ask that the board grant the relief. Okay. Thank you. So yeah, just temporary coming down a ladder which you want to attach. Okay. Yes. Motion by Mr. Lopac,

second by Mr. Thomas with the condition that it come down by December 31st, 2026. Right. Yes. All right. Mr. Lobac. Hi. Miss Thomas. Hi. Mr. Civetella. Hi. Miss Volcano Hall. Hi. Granted.

Thank you. That's That's all I'm good for. All right. Open up the next hearing. Any second read purpose, please.

All right. Applications hereby made for public hearing before the East and Zoning Hearing Board for a property known as 673 North 13th Street Zoning District River Core Street corridor enhancement block class B. Variance is as follows. 59517B proposed an F1 trade contractor's use required not a permitted use. The appellent is Arty Tika Salajamani at 120 Alper Drive, Eastn PA18040. Uh the owner is Erica Borts at 2715 Kelly Lane Bath, PA1 18014. Six adjacent property owners were notified and it was published in the press.

You tell me to the applicants present. Is there anybody else that's here for this hearing? I'm gonna have you guys stand up in your right hand.

Mr. Gentlemen, this property was posted. Yes, it was. All right, gentlemen. If you give your name, address for the record. Please make sure your mics are on. My name is Adriatic Solomon. Uh, my address is 120 Eper Drive Eastern, PA. All right, hold on one minute. You said Solomon. Yes, sir. Is are you the appellent? I'm the uh the purchaser. All right. So, that's how you Adriatic. It's the Eastern European. Uh, I just wanted to make sure we I have the same. Yep. Thank you. Got it. Javanni Scott, 1811 Maple Avenue, Eastern PA 18040. Can you spell your name, please?

G I O V A N I. Giovanni. Last name was Scott. S O T T O. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your first name. G AO. Giovanni. G I O V A N I. Thank you. Welcome. Okay. So, so you purchase a property that you want to make into a trade contractor. Um, but it's not a permitted use. So can tell the board why um what the hardship is that you feel you need to have this in this part of the city where it's not allowed.

So I'm the uh I'm the owner of Cozy Contracting in Whitaker Roofing and Siding. Uh we've been in Lehi Valley since 1969 uh operating. We are currently uh with a location in Allentown and Wilson. Uh however, we our company has grown a lot in the last five years. Uh we have we have outgrown Wilson, we've outgrown Allentown. We're looking for a third location which would be in Easton here on the College Hill up here. Uh and we needed for our sales team and two office staff members as is the property with this uh current uh building. That's what we would occupy. Um it's a moving condition where we don't plan on having any uh construction equipment or anything u uh stored on the property but just for the sole use of the buildings that are currently there uh that previously was used as an auto body shop.

Let me interrupt then if I may, Mr. Chairman, because uh I had questioned I got the impression that you're just going to use this for offices. Correct. Correct. But it was processed as an F1 trade contractor use. You do not in fact intend to store any vehicles or equipment there. Service vehicles for the guys that don't bring their trucks home at night, which would be no more than six or five or six trucks. That's about it. But no excavators or anything of that nature.

All right. Are do you have a problem if we leave it as an F1 trade contractor with the condition that the only thing to be stored there pursuant to your testimony would be trucks of workers who do not take them home at night. I would have no problem with that. Right. No problem. Okay. Thank you. Other than that, it's just going to be used for offices Monday through Friday. Yes. Regular working hours. I'm sorry. Monday through Friday, 8 to 5. And he said the property was was um formerly a garage auto body. Uh auto body.

Yeah. A used car car car salesman auto body shop and mechanic. Any questions from the board? How many offices will be there? It is uh in the same building. There will be two personnel. A left side would be used as Whitaker. Uh right side would be used as Cozy, but all within one office. So just two people at a time. Yes, sir. And there's off streetet parking there for those individuals. Oh, plenty. Yes, there's about an acre lot. Yeah, I thought so.

And will the trucks be parked inside instead of outside on the lot? Oh, they'll be parked on the lot on the property itself. Correct. Okay. That up. Yes. Any other questions from the board? Board. There's no further questions for you. You have anything else you want to add? Uh, we are a local veteranowned and operated company and we're just looking to expand into Easton. That's pretty much it.

All right. Thank you, gentlemen. We close the hearing. So your motion is with the attachment of the testimony work trucks. Did you second mot?

Yeah. Did you hear us? Yep. Miss Volcano Hall. Hi, Mr. Loack. Hi, Mr. Civetella. Hi, Miss Thomas. Hi. It's been granted with that one condition about the trucks being just for your guys that don't have All right.

Yep. Yep. Thank you. Good luck. All right. Open up the next hearing. Secretary read the purpose, please.

All right. Applications hereby made for a public hearing before the East and Zoning Hearing Board for property known as 517 519 Northampton Street Zoning District Downtown Street Quartrer Enhancement Block Class B. Variance is as follows. 59520F8 proposed a sixstory mixeduse building with a footprint of 10,682 square ft require new building shall have a footprint that is not greater than 15% of the footprint of the principal structures on the joining properties 59520F3 proposed no public plazas or common areas required public plazas common areas new multi-story development with a building footprint over 10,000 square feet shall incorporate a public plaza or common area that contains landscaping, seating, and lighting. Such plaza shall be incorporated into the plans. The above action is request to proceed with a mixed juice apartment complex and retail store with parking on the first floor. The pellant is Steven Gornzan. Sorry, Gazian. Yeah, there you go. Gazian at 2940 William Penn Highway, East NPA 1804. The owner is GWGrock LLC. address 425 Business Park Lane, Allentown, PA1 18109. 13 adjacent property owners were notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you, gentlemen. Mr. Chairman, I I hate to interrupt, but before we go any further so that the board knows what it's dealing with here, uh Mr. Tilman, can you advise the board uh what structures you utilized and what calculations or what numbers you came up with as far as um determining the 15% difference.

Okay. So, we looked at the principal structures on 505507 Northampton Street, which was uh 2339 ft. Then to the left of this property, uh 525 Northampton, it had a footprint of 2,195 square feet. On the back side, uh 520 Church Street footprint that touches the same parcel was 1,748 square ft. And then we had 20 South Fifth Street, which is the Rock Church, had a footprint of 6,75 square ft. uh the average of all the principal structures came out to 3,246.75 square feet. And then if you go up or down 15% if you go down 15% the largest footprint you can have is 2759.74 square ft. And if you go up over to 15% it will be 3733.76 ft. So, I'm going to tell um from what I'm looking at on uh the one two3 page of our packet which shows three lots that you're just are you said that's that those three lots include the Rock Church.

No, those three lots are the vacant parcels right now. So with all those three lots to the to the east you have 505 507 and then to the north behind it you have Rock Rock Church to the to the east and then to the west you have 520 Church Street. You can't really see it on their their layout because it's just their floor. I mean, if I could interrupt. So, but are they going to build just on what's on the per on the um what's shown on this page? Yeah, with those those three parcels perimeter. So, it doesn't include Rock Church then. No, it's not Rock Church. So, then why is Rock Church included in the calculation of the

Because the back parcel touches the back of their parcel. So, the way the ordinance is written, every par every adjoining parcel's footprint, principal structure has to be counted. Okay. All right. Got you. Thank you. M That was all you had, Mr. Miski. That was it. Yes. Just wanted you to know the range of what you're looking at. Um who's who's the attorney? I'm the attorney. Thank you.

And and I thought for a brief moment the applicant and the owner of the property, and I got excited, but I'm just the applicant. Um, so I'm going to have you two clients then sworn in then right now. Anybody else here for this hearing? Any audience you want to be, if you have anything to say, you need to be sworn in now. No. Okay. You guys want to stand up, please? and counselor if they could just um tell us tell the board what their name what their name is and their and their address please. Sure.

Uh my name is Steve Gatusian. I'm the attorney for the applicant to 2940 William Penn Highway, Eastern Pennsylvania. Uh Andrew Ginsburg. Um 425 Business Park Lane, Allentown, PA. Chris Lang, civil engineer for the project. Uh 949 Eastern Road, Warrington, PA. Thank you. And as summarized by your zoning officer, we're here for two variances. Uh one of the variances, and you'll hear testimony about this, was actually granted in a prior application, and your attorney will correctly tell you that this is zoning and every application stands on itself, but the same relief was requested earlier on this property for this exact same variance, but we'll get to that. Sir, could you state your name, please?

I'm Andrew Ginsburg. And are you a representative of GWG Rock LLC? Yes, I am. And is D I'm sorry, GWG Rock LLC the owner of the property at um DBook 2025-1, page 209184? Yes. And is this a copy of the deed? Yes. And I think it was made part of the packet, but in case it isn't, I I'll introduce it. We have it. Okay. Very good. Um, are you Could you tell us a little bit about the properties in question? First of all, their their address.

Yeah, it's uh 5 I think 14 519 Northampton. And can you I'm sorry. Five. Did you mean 517-59 Northampton Street? Thank you. And could you tell us a little bit about the project in general? We have the engineer that will talk about specifics, but Sure. So, it is an um the way it's designed right now, it's structured parking on the first floor with uh apartments above. Um it's a proposal to put 50 units of apartments in there. And with regard to the variances itself, why don't we just get to them? Is there going to be a requirement in your estimation for a need for a public space for this type of no type of building?

Um, no. It's a it's a non- amenity building. It's it's not designed to compete with the CL like the um you know class A type stuff that's high amenity driven. We're going more for a workforce type um tenant. Um so there's really no need for a public space. There is a commercial requirement which we are meeting um which will serve not only the building but also the community. So could you explain in layman's terms essentially what's the first four going to look like and what are the upstairs floors going to look like?

So the first four will be underground parking to meet our parking requirement. Um we've also secured parking offsite uh for additional parking um to increase uh you know more parking for our residents and there'll be a commercial about 800 foot commercial space and then above um as of now there's uh five stories above with about 10 apartments per floor. Is this kind of in your estimation, in your background as a developer, does this property lend itself to a public area? No. Um I don't think that the public would have any need to come into an apartment building and then the commercial spaces would be available for the public as well as of course the people who live in the apartment. Absolutely.

Uh with regard to the prior history of this project, were you involved in it? I was not. Okay. Are you aware that in 2023 the zoning hearing board granted a variance uh for the footprint being greater than 15% of the adjoining structures? Yes. If I show you what's been marked as exhibit B, are you familiar with this? Is this the actual decision? Yes. Thank you.

So I show you what's been marked as exhibit B. Is that the determination from the zoning hearing board providing this variance previously? Yes. Uh when Just to be clear, in 2023, your entity was not the owner. Correct. As it turned out, you ended up buying the property and and moving forward with the development. Correct. And you understand because I've explained it to you under the law, it's different because we have to make a brand new application under these circumstances. But based on what you've understood, has anything changed from 2023 to now relating to this various request?

No. Um, with regard to the requirement under um 595-20 F-13, uh, we talked about the public plaza and we talked about the u the footprint. Let's talk a little bit about the footprint in general. Can you tell us what you're trying to accomplish with the apartment building? Um, you know, just as I said, you know, our goal is to, you know, have a a non- amenitydriven building that appeals to a little bit of a, you know, lower rent um range than some of the existing competition that exists here in in town and um to provide parking for our tenants.

And is one of the reasons why you want uh these two variances just to meet among other things to maximize the parking that's on the property. Correct. And you understand that in the city of East there's parking issues and you want to be able to put as much on site as possible. Absolutely. And to do that you need these variances. Correct. Uh that makes it you that makes a hardship for you in the sense of why you're asking for this variance because you want to put as much parking on the property as possible. Correct. Yeah. We would not meet requirements of parking and that's why you can't in your estimation uh develop the property in strict conformity with the ordinance. Correct.

With regard to the character of the neighborhood, would this change the character of the neighborhood at all? Um, no. And we've actually already uh met with HARB, uh, the historic review, and we'll be, you know, continuing with them to to come to an amicable solution for what they want to see there as well. And although the zoning hearing board knows better than all of us, can you tell us what is happening in the city of East with regard to apartment buildings? Very briefly, there's a lot of them going up. Um, and, uh, you know, very high-end, amenitydriven type buildings. Um, we're trying to be the the underdog and this would be the minimum variance requested under the law. Correct. And this would be consistent with the spirit of the ordinance. The whole idea is you're trying to provide by providing parking, you're looking for variance requests. Correct.

Among other things. Correct. I have nothing further from this witness. Anybody have a question for this witness? Can I just get a clarification? council, the letter that you handed us was uh just the summary uh that is provided after the meeting and doesn't contain of course findings of fact conclusions of law. Um do you know was this for the same size structure back then? I do not know but I could add.

Yeah. Uh, previously when we purchased the property, it was for two of the three lots. There was a third lot that was owned by um the Jabbors who own the Lafayette Hotel. The project was not feasible because there was no way to get the I don't I don't know how anyone would have been able to build that and get the parking in there and actually functionally lay out the units. So, when we got involved uh had interest if we could secure the third lot, we were able to successfully secure the third lot and that is the You know, the only difference is that now it's a there's that third skinny lot that was not included on the original application.

Okay. So, but you don't know what the footprint of that building was that was proposed back in what was it? Yeah, I could try to look it up from what it was before. Um, well, more to the point, this was granted for a period of six months and was never pursued. Correct. Yeah. So, so this approval has essentially lapsed. Correct. Yeah. We just to be clear I think if I wasn't clear before we're not suggesting it's binding on the board. I understand I thought to the contrary it's I made it clear that

right we understand that every case is different and has to be handled. Just wanted to noted that essentially the same relief was granted on the same type of project though it wasn't identical. But in that vein, I don't know if if if you're aware, but there are a number of these pending or or or coming before the board. And um is there a reason that you need what looks to me to be a 200% variance because what is permitted according to the calculations under the ordinance is a maximum of 3700 square ft and you're asking for 10 I'm going to round it off and say 10,700 square feet uh which is uh almost three times what is permitted. So I I how do we square that with necessity?

The reason being is we to meet the parking requirements since we're outside of the garage distance. I believe it's 600 ft per the ordinance. We're slightly outside of that. So we have to provide parking on site. But you wouldn't need to provide all that parking if you weren't proposing 50 units. Yeah. I mean it be the issue would come to it wouldn't be feasible to provide less units um you know significantly less units because then we couldn't do the project it's a site um it's a what site it's a word site oh okay

so it's an infill project that you know is on the list to get developed it's been a like a hole for a long time

that's why I asked a question earlier with Mr. tell me about the lot because I think the the nature of the zoning code or is that it you don't purchase all three lots and make some big monstrosity I would imagine right um and which is why they had the 15% in there so you build something that's similar to what's already there um whether it be three homes not homes but three buildings that are have um yeah four units in each and it has a commercial on the first floor. I don't know that I'm just say I'm thinking out loud what this what the zoning intended for that to be and he's right. You're 200% over your 15%. But um so it's not essentially the same thing that was before us before. Well, if I can if I may, could you explain what so the so we build the correct record. Uh tell us what the property is right now and what it's been.

Uh right now it's vacant land. And has it been to the best of your knowledge has been vacant land indefinitely? Yes. Is it a property that hasn't been built on for an extended period of time? Yes. Is it if you heard the comments if it's is it feasible from an economic or otherwise standpoint to simply go ahead and put three houses on? No. Is that why it hasn't been built for such a long period of time? Yes. And that's part of the hardship as to what you're asking. Correct. Yeah. It's it's going to be a difficult site to develop. Um, as we know, it's called the Rock Church for a reason. There's there's rock there. So, and then is it part of is this project sort of on the outskirts of where the the larger apartment develops developments are being had in the city?

Correct. And those larger developments are closer to other parking areas while you are not. Correct. And that creates a unique problem for you. Correct. Meaning a unique problem for this project. Yes. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions for this witness? Do you have other witnesses? Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I heard something from that side. Yes. Oh. Oh, yeah. Okay. I thought I heard somebody say, "I have a question." I was waiting. I apologize. Okay. Could you state your name, please? Chris Lang. And how are you employed, sir? I am a project manager at Carol Engineering Corporation. And are you at Carol Engineering Corporation? C A R R O L L.

Correct. And are you familiar with this project? I am. And how are you familiar with it? I am the project manager and the designer for it. Um could you tell us a little bit about the variance requests?

Sure. Um, as we talked a little bit about it, the Barance request is to construct a uh 10,682 foot building um where only 15% of the footprint um is allowed greater than for the principal structures on adjointed properties. Um for this site in order to maximize parking um that is kind of the main reason for the building square footage. Um we're proposing 20 parking spalls on the ground floor. Um if if we were to reduce reduce the building square footage. You would greatly decrease those and cause I would call it accessibility concerns the stairwells throughout the floor plans and everything like that for um accessibility of stairwells for the residents. Um so let's talk about let's expound a little bit about that. If the if the question was well we reduce the parking by reducing size somehow tell us how that would work. Tell and tell tell us the detriments. Sure. The obviously we want to maximize the parking on the lot. Um if we start decreasing the building size or adding any plazas similar I guess that's in his next zoning uh varian request. Um you're greatly decreasing the parking stalls I would say by a minimum of three. Um that's just a guess but you're seriously um decreasing those. and is is one of the concerns when this was being developed from an engineering standpoint to try to maximize the amount of parking on site.

That is correct. Okay. Uh with regard to the excuse me, you heard the calculations from the zoning officer. Did you do you have any were those accurate based on your do you have any comment on those? I do not. I agree with them. Okay. So we understand what the parameters are but under these circumstances it's this is what the project needs for parking and to be to to move move the project forward. Correct. Uh with regard to the actual variances itself could you tell us a little about let's handle one at a time with regard to the u public plaza. You heard the testimony already from Mr. Ginsburg. Um could you expound on that?

Sure. The uh obviously this is for residential use mainly. there is a small retail space um that's not connected to the greater building per se. Um so a public plaza really would not enhance this site. It would actually be a deterrent in most people's opinion. Um so okay. Uh and why do you say that? Um I say that just because if I was a resident there I probably would not prefer to have that a public plaza in there. And also, as I mentioned before, situating a public plaza on the first floor of this building is going to be pretty difficult from an engineering standpoint um and a floor plan standpoint.

Uh with regard to Thank you. Uh with regard to the first of all, uh did you bring plans with you? I did. Okay. And could you tell us what they are?

Sure. Um and these were all submitted as part of our land development set. Um the first plan uh was the record plan, which is basically the site plan. Um the second plan was a lot consolidation plan which I believe was um there was a markup in the other packet four. Um third was just the existing features plan which shows the vacant lot and some areas of concrete in the front. Um and then lastly was a floor plan uh for the first floor and the second through sixth floors prepared by uh Northstar construction management. And the purpose of of we're gonna we'd like to we'd like to mark those exhibit C collectively and hand one up to the board just for the record.

We don't have the floor plan. ask of the I think there was a comment from one of the members of the zoning hearing board. You do not have these plans at all in in part of your packet. We were saying we don't have two of them. I'm sorry. We have we have the record plan and we have the demolition plan. I think you named two more. Yes. Then we we didn't we assumed you had them already. We wanted to bring bigger ones just to be sure, but I'm going to walk my walk my um witness through them. Yeah, that's fine. So, we have we have these then. We I just want to let you know we did you know maybe they didn't print them for us in our packet. Understand? Can I take? Sure.

You take all. Okay. I apologize. I printed them out on fulls size plans. I should have done 11 by 17.

We'll just need just one here. We'll share. Thank you. While they're looking, can I interject with a question? You addressed the absence of the public plaza and what you're saying makes some sense, but the section of the ordinance says shall incorporate a public plaza or common area. So why no common area? How would that be detrimental?

You want to answer that for the common area? common area for the public or common area for No, for the tenants. For the tenants. Yeah. Um and how much square footage was it for them? Well, it just it doesn't say, but it says I mean the language is um new multi-story development with a building footprint over 10,000 square feet shall incorporate a public plaza or common area that contains landscaping, seating, and lighting. um you know a place for the tenants to go and congregate together.

Correct. I guess the way that we were interpreting the ordinance we were thinking of it more as common area for the public. Um the when I'm reading the ordinance there I think it would be quite plaza would be for the public but they're giving you a choice public plaza or common area for the tenants.

Right. Um, and I in the last um plan that was in those exhibits, um, you can see how kind of tight the first floor is and as well as the second to sixth floor. It would be pretty it would be pretty difficult to get a public space um, incorporated into that area, especially with landscaping um, seating and lighting. So, it's not the property preventing you from doing it. It's the building you're proposing. Is that fair?

I would say the property size being we need all of that building area to maximize the parking. And if as you can see in the floor plan, um it's pretty tight already. Um and decreasing any of those areas I would feel would be detrimental to the safety of the res residents and access to stairwells and access to the bike parking areas and and um items like that from a practical st I'm sorry Mr. No, no, no. Go ahead. From a practical standpoint, you've already heard some testimony about it, but this is a difficult site to begin with. Correct. Correct. And I believe in my opinion, that's why it hasn't been developed before.

And the and the proposal is to provide it uh to develop the site with more affordable housing than some of the other housing stock in the city. Correct. And to do that and also provide parking. That's why these variances are required. That is correct. So it it creates a somewhat unique set of circumstances between the size of the lots, the develop the ability to develop the lot, the type of housing stock and so on all together requires these things to be requires this relief. That is correct. And the goal has always been from an engineering standpoint to try to maximize the parking to minimize the public impacts. Correct. And especially with the issues with parking in the city in this area as well.

Okay. Okay. Now, I believe the board has had an opportunity a little bit to look at the plans. Could you summarize them because they have them in front of them, but tell us?

Sure. Um, the first plan, which is titled C101, uh, that's the record plan. You can see this, uh, building situated on the site. Um, you can also see where the garage entrance is. Um, we're actually proposing a new curb cut, um, to relocate the existing curb cut um, a little more towards the center of the site. Um, so that is just the record plan. Um, we also have the consolidation plan which is titled V101. Um, that just basically shows the existing lots that we're planning on deleting uh the lot lines for. Um, the next plan would be the existing features plan. Um, as you can see, there's a portion of um concrete in the frontage of the site um that we're proposing to remove for the building, but most of the site's vacant and overgrown. Um and then lastly um most importantly for parking the um floor plan prepared by um Northstar Construction Management shows the parking layout um and the retail space. That is correct. Yeah, it'll be leased um on a nearby site.

Where is that site? Uh it's right around the corner. It's the ballet studio. Ballet studio? Yes. Um I uh when you go to the top of the hill, you make a right by the fire department there. There's a ballet studio that was that's there on the left before you get to the library. He had some available spots and you know we took the opportunity to to take those to just give more access for residents. How many spots were those? I believe he's leased us 10 and you have 20 on site. Correct. So 30. So but you have 50 apartments. Correct. So the 20 people that left where they where they parking?

I mean they'll probably park in the garage. Uh it's not that far outside of a walk. It's a block and a half. So, they're going to park in a garage and walk a block and a half with groceries. What do you say? They're going to park in the garage and walk a block and a half with groceries. or if they or street parking which exists all around there.

What What is the term of the lease with the valet company? I'd have to confirm. Um but it is I mean I think it's a year and it'll continue with automatic renewals. Okay. But what happens if it does not renew? Um if it does not renew then we would I mean our intention is to have it continue to renew but I think like all the other you know lease parking is it would we'd have to you know service parking find some parking elsewhere.

I think what Mr. Mr. Nishki is asking is is if they if they imposed that the zoning care board granted the variance but imposed a condition where we would still have to have 10 off-site parking no matter where they were if for example if this one did not work would be willing to would we be willing to have a condition like that? Yes. I believe the code is less than 10. Um Chris will tell you exactly what the code requires from a parking standpoint for these units. I believe it's a half a space. Correct. Yeah. the um parking calculations only require 23 parking spots. 23 spaces. So we could only we could get three spaces from somewhere else to meet the requirement, but we decided to exceed the requirement and if there was opportunity for more spaces, we would take them.

So you got to remember we're in the downtown district, right? So everything if it's a mixed use, you have the residential, you have the mixed use, and then you cut it in half as well because you're in a downtown. So we would I don't have anything else from our witnesses unless there's questions and we'd obviously move our exhibits and evidence. Any questions? Do you need more time to look this over? Yeah, I think not so much for the residents, but maybe Dwayne, just a quick question. Correct me if I'm wrong. This is across the street from Nature Nurture. That's correct.

Okay. I'm just trying to formulate some of the bigger buildings. Do we know how big that is just from an aesthetic standpoint? Nurture Nature. You didn't research it? Roughly not. I don't know what it is up top, man. Okay. I mean, but that goes all the way back to Pine Street. Yeah. I going limb it's probably 10,000 20,000 some square feet yeah I don't know talking about without looking yeah without looking I just okay any other questions no further question if you want to sum up

sure uh under the circumstances you've heard the testimony this is a unique issue it's a unique property with some unique problems uh the developer has gone above and beyond trying to address the problems with it parking and trying to establish lish it on site, offsite, and so on. Under those circumstances, we'd ask for these two variances because if not, the concern is this property is just never going to get developed, and without some relief, it's just not going to happen. We believe we met all the requirements under the zoning hearing uh code with regard to the hardship, with regard to the unique nature of the property, and we'd ask for the variances to be granted so we can move forward.

Thank you. Close the hearing. 200% I'm not just I get it. supply even.

I'm just saying that's true. church.

Yeah, it's six.

And I was just I get the adjacent properties, but this hurt street theater. I know this footprint reason why 15% create I just look at the cities freaking price. This is like a working building. I do get the building. It's a significant larger building, but it's everything. I think they're saying it's a fairly big space again.

But that's just

the only thing I'm concerned about is

this is a big one. again. like it's down to 50 words when I saw what I know about it minimized the longer. But what their attorneys testify is that I guess Carl shows different things.

I don't know. It's really overall vision of the city to become provide moderate housing which you're going to hear.

Correct. second building condensed condensed. neighborhood. Street is condensed neighborhood. towards daddy's 40s. Well, they do.

They do because comprehens. Three builds have to do that any downtown will prosper parking spot for everybody. I know, but I'm just saying it. It's not like apples and apples.

That was the reason to construction It's not even like a bank won't even qualify to build because it doesn't I look at pictures before they knock down city. We already did

with I don't remember how much they were each case. We've had different social,000 70% again particular each one of those. If you remember the South of those sense I mean you know exact similar thing but

different because situation I think one of those That's my opinion. That's how I view it. So you feel

in this case I think the other ones ask question but I couldn't because there just builds. It's just a footprint.

Let's think about that. building the grocery above it. I don't disagree. It's tough based on based Well, it used to be Look at that.

Do you think it promises because Because of such unique circumstances that it was self is I mean, maybe supposed to be They don't have

I'm not trying to What's the next one? What are we about to look at next? They're not us. I'm going to make a motion to Motions out there.

Oh, I didn't realize. Oh, okay.

All right, Mr. Civetella. Hi. Miss Volcano Hall. I Mr. Lobac. Nay. Miss Thomas. Nay. So, split vote. The vote or the um motion was the motion was to deny and two nays, two yays. Um but a tie vote equals a denial.

Thank you. Um if I may, there's nothing that prevents the zoning hearing board from making another motion at this point. if one's inclined. I don't think it necessarily ends at this point. If there's no other motion, I understand that and I would ask that the zoning here board consider in light of the denial, in light of the fact of the testimony you heard, in light of the fact that this is a good project and something good for East that someone may want to suggest to make a motion to grant and see what happens. I I don't have a problem with that, counselor. If somebody wants to make a motion to grant, we can do that.

I I've never seen that in my 35 years. You can say you saw it. It's up to you. Up to the board. I made my motion. I I believe that once a motion is made and seconded, voted on, it's done. I don't think it's going to be any different. That's with all due respect, my good friend here.

And normally that would be I would agree with that. If it was a case where it was a motion to grant and it was denied, then it would be done. Here he had a motion the opposite way and that's why I suggest that there's an alternative or possibility that if it was revoted there may be a chance somebody might realize that perhaps this is worth going forward and perhaps we convince somebody in between between then and now there's always a chance here sir approve

motion to approve by Mr. Lopes second by Mrs. Thomas. Oh, she didn't second it. Okay, now there's still four. Is there a second? Mr. Thomas,

Mr. Lobac. Hi, Miss Thomas. Hi, Mr. Civotella. No, Miss Volcano Hall. No. Okay. Thank you. Have a good night. You too. Thank you. I'd like to be

I like to be a unified board. I really do.

I respect your opinions. I don't either. I don't like Well, some of them are same except for the rear yard. Yeah.

We're going to find out. Yeah, I think everybody's here for the full. All right. Oh, you're all Yep. Y I'm sorry. The answer is Oh, okay. Okay. So, I'm going to open up the next hearing for the secretary read the purpose, please. So, do you Well, Mr. Chairman, yes. Should I not open up the hearing?

Well, what what he's asking me is how we should handle this and let me get rid of what I had before him because and I had noticed this too. I don't six and seven.

There are two, three, four, five. Well, gentlemen, we're off the record. It appears to me that There are there's four. There's five of them. Five of them requesting the exact same three variances. No difference in any of them. Am I correct in my assessment?

Correct. All right. Um, we're try normally what I would recommend to the board is we do one at a time since I assume these are all separate properties. I I I think we are constrained to do one at a time, but um we're still off the record. Yes. Um

Yeah. Right. But we'll open each subsequent hearing and just ask if you want to incorporate the same testimony rather than going through and reinventing the wheel each time. That okay. Yeah. For us, too. Yeah. All right. Then I will now open up the next hearing. Secretary with the purpose, please.

All right. Applications are hereby made for a public hearing before the eastern zoning hearing board for a property known as 130 Phip Street Zoning District Southside block class B. Variance is as follows. 59514F2 proposed no sidewalks requirement. Uh new sidewalk shall be a minimum width of 5t on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curving, new sidewalk and curbing with shall match 59514F3 proposed no street trees required. Street trees shall be planned along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 5542 and as determined by the city forester. 59514F4 proposed right here.

Front loed off- streetet parking required. New off streetet parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. The above action is request to proceed with um applying for construction permits to build semi-attached structures on this lot. Access is proposed from Philip Street with front uh front-facing garages. The pellant is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway, building 10 Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109. The owner of the properties are the Greater Community Development Corporation. address is 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street, East NPA 18042. Um it looked like a seven adjacent property owners were notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you gentlemen. Um Mr. Enki, um with regards to swearing in um witnesses and the and objectors, can we do it once? Yes, absolutely. Carry for all hearings for every hearing. Let's do it during the first meeting and then we'll see if anybody wants to add anything different in any of the subsequent meetings because I would assume okay that they're just like the appellants are going to be presenting

one that applies to all five. I would assume the comments that each of the individuals here would make would apply to all five. Okay. And then Okay. So, I'm going to have you guys sworn in. Anybody in the audience, if you want to speak, you need to stand up and be sworn in. If you're not sworn in, you can't you can't speak. God of all given this proceeding to be the truth of the truth and nothing but the truth and shall

Mr. Tman this property was posted. Yes, it was. All right, gentlemen. If you can give your name and address for the record, please. Your microphone is not on. Philip Davis, 600 Country Club Road, uh 18045 East NP, PA. And Richard Roseberry. I'm with Collier's Engineering, 1110 American Parkway, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Thank you.

Gentlemen, before I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman, to interrupt. Um before the hearing started, we held an off the record uh conversation. I would ask that you direct your comments uh to 130 Phillips Street only. Um, and then you will be given the opportunity to incorporate whatever your testimony is during this hearing to the subsequent four hearings relative to 132, 134, 136, and 138. Okay. Yes. Thank you. I'm sorry, Mr. Chair.

That's okay. You guys can proceed. Yeah. Uh, Pastor Phil, can you just give a brief overview of what you're proposing to do on this property?

Sure. Um, so we are a community development corporation. We are working on affordable housing. And so, um, in our planning, we were able to acquire a piece of property, uh, over on Philip Street. Our goal is to build eight affordable units for sale to firsttime homeowners. The reason that we chose to do homes for sale um is that homes for sale actually stabilize communities as well as give the homeowners an opportunity to acquire and purchase um and build generational wealth through home ownership. Um we are targeting those who are 100% and below average median income which makes it workforce housing. So it does not uh you know the the the cost of housing now is very difficult for uh many average working families to be able to purchase. They're getting outbid so they're not having an opportunity to start their lives uh becoming homeowners. So four of the units will go up to 100% AMI and then four of the units will target families that are 50% AMI and below. Uh and so families who normally would not be able to purchase a home will have an opportunity to do that. Um we have partnered with um the state of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. They provided the acquisition money. Uh we've partnered with the county of Northampton. Uh they provided some home money. Uh we have partnered with the city of Easton uh who provided ARPA money. Uh they the city agreed to install um the sewer line. Uh there was no sewer line serving that part of the south

side. So the city stepped up um to provide the infrastructure to be able to make the lots um buildable. Um as well as um we partner with the department of community and economic development out of Harrisburg uh with the neighborhood partnership program which will provide down payment and closing cost assistance to the individuals who are interested in purchasing the home. Um last but not least, we are a certified HUD housing counseling agency. So those who will have an opportunity to purchase those homes will also have an opportunity to benefit from down payment and closing costs from the city and from the county. So again, we are looking to change families lives by building these homes. Um these uh eight units again uh will be sold to first-time homeowners 100% AMI and down.

Thank you. I did hand out a couple exhibits uh that were not included in the application package. Uh the first being my CV. Uh I am a professional engineer in six states including Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I'm also an AICP certified planner. Uh so I represent um municipalities. I've written comprehensive plans. I've also testified of numerous zoning hearing boards including this zoning hearing board on several applications in the past. And Mr. Roseberry, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but with your permission, I will mark your CV as exhibit A1 and the other exhibit which is paperclipipped together uh consisting of I presume you know how many pages without me going through it real quick

and then I presume you will go through them and identify each page. Eight pages according to Mr. Tilman. We will mark exhibit A2. Yeah.

Thank you. And I'd like to go through those ex uh the photo exhibit I provided to you first just to lay some context here. Uh the first is an aerial image of Philip Street and the surrounding lots. Um as you can see, Philip Street is one of the most southern properties or roadways in the city at almost abuts Route 78. And each of the square highlighted uh numbers on that are shown on this exhibit relates to the photos of the houses that exist along Philip Street right now. And a point of this is you one of the variances we're requesting is to have garages facing the streets. And as you can see, it's it's pretty predominant in this area of Southside that the garages most of the houses have garages facing the streets. Um then the last two pages of the exhibit do show the proposed houses that we will be building on this the properties and these houses are pretty much uh very similar to the structures that are currently existing on the on the street. So therefore it's really in character with the neighborhood won't create any public detriment. Now, I also want to call out on the aerial image, if you look to the west of of Folk Street, you'll see under the older zoning ordinance that many of those properties do have parking in the rear with uh garages. Some of them just have uh parking spaces. The difference being those properties all have alleys in the back of them. And that's one of the alleys

uh which is one of the unique hardships that pertain to this piece of property. Uh the southside zoning district encourages parking in the rear of the buildings and access off alleys for parking purposes. We don't have that ability. There is no alley behind Philip Street. Uh the properties themselves the zoning is 2400 square foot lots. Uh the minimum lot width is 28 feet. Uh, can I ask you to slow down a little bit? Sure. I didn't take shorthand in high school. I I didn't realize you were taking notes. Well, I have to do the decision. So, so this particular one,

just maybe from, you know, 90 RPM down to 75 or 60. Go ahead. I'll let you catch up.

So, uh, lot one here, 130 Phip Street, uh, it meets all the zoning criteria of the ordinance. The minimum lot width for the ordinance is 28 feet where we have a 30 foot wide lot. Uh the southside district currently has what's called a build two line. So that's one of the differences that you'll see from some of the other houses that exist in this area that had minimum setbacks. The build two line requires us to build the house up to five feet from the property line. So these houses are situated closer to the roadway. Uh with the narrowness of the lots and the fact we don't have any rear access, it's really impossible for us to provide a driveway on the lot to get to the rear of the lot. And that's why the garage in the front of the property is really a necessity in this area. And as I mentioned, if I went through each of the various photos, uh, each of these photos, photo one, you'll see as a house located on Phil Street that has a looks like a split level with a garage on the front of the house. Photo two, very similar, uh, twocar garage facing the front. Photo three also has a two two-car garage facing the front. Uh photo four is just a photo of the street frontage as we get into the variance request for the street trees and the sidewalk. Um you first point is there are no street trees or sidewalks in this vicinity. That's not necessarily a hardship on this case, but there is a hardship because of the fact that the roadway itself is not built in the center of the roadway. If you look at the plan that was submitted with the application, um, in front of, let me just take a measurement here. In front of 130, there's 7 feet between the property line

and the edge of the road. So, for us to actually physically get a sidewalk, street trees, and the house five feet from the property line, it's it would really be crammed in there. Um, almost impossible to get that. And as we go further east, the the road itself is touching the property line. So there's actually no physical setback between the pavement and the houses. So there just physically isn't room to construct a buffer strip, sidewalk, and then the house at a five foot setback. And then photo five is also a more recently constructed house that does have a garage, you know, facing the street. And then finally, the front elevations. As you can see, these are these are attractive houses. They would definitely fit into the neighborhood. Wouldn't cause any type of detriment uh to any of the uh um public health or safety or or character of the neighborhood. Don't really fit in.

So So am I to presume that these houses are already built? No. So these photos that you're showing us are just Oh, I'm sorry. We haven't built our houses, but all these houses, the photos, yes, they are, those are photos of houses that exist on Phillips, but not the ones you're talking about, though. No. So, but the houses that you marked in the squares, there's houses there. Those houses are going to be torn down.

No. This, let me explain. The squares on the aerial image, one, two, three, four, five. They just represent photo locations of each of the houses. For example, photo street photo one is a photo of a house located on Phillips. Okay, I got you. I agree. I'm good. I the way they were positioned, I thought the house you were talking about the houses that were closest to Shiloh Church.

Yeah, Mr. Civetella, if I may. Um, also the builder of the homes is um Tuscus Homes. So, one of the premier builders in the area has partnered with us to build these homes to ensure that they're quality homes. Um, this is not, you know, some builder who's coming in from out of town and we don't know them. Tuscus has a great reputation. Um, and he is delivering these homes to us at a discounted rate, working with his own contractors. um and taken a significant loss, not loss, but um he's he's cutting back his profit margin, if you will, his management fee because he believes in this project. Um and we were able to write that partnership agreement with him. And are these properties um duplexes?

Yes, they are duplexes. So there you said there were five 10 houses. There's going to be eight total, four duplexes. If there weren't duplexes, could you fit a driveway that went back to a garage in the back of the house? No, absolutely not. Because you you then have a minimum setback, the house would actually have to be narrower to meet the Well, I mean, less houses or if you had less houses, you could probably do it then. Well, these are all these lots exist. We're not subdividing these lots. These are existing lots.

Okay. And then I can't see from the aerial photo, but is there sidewalks throughout? No. The other neighborhoods or other houses? None. And trees. Or just some maybe just whatever people have planted. There's no no defined street tree pattern throughout the neighborhood. So again though with the houses that you're showing as examples, they're not going to be what you're building because you're building duplexes. These are single homes, correct? Or the the photos are the existing homes on the street that have garages.

Not okay. Right. The last two pages of the exhibit that read front elevation, right? They they show what's going to be there. That's what we're going to build. Yeah. Y is there a place that shows us exactly the location of the lots or is it just this empty space? It's on the north side of Phillips. Okay. Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Yeah, it's all the only thing on the lots right now is a shed that will be removed. I just want to make sure it has the correct location on Sure.

Any other questions from the board? We have nothing right now. I'd like to hear from the audience. So, I'm going to ask one you guys to come out one at a time and you're going to give your name and address for the record. come up to to the podium so you can speak into the microphone, please.

Is this on? Yeah. Y um excuse me. Good evening. My name is Dr. Dion McMillanthorne, 12024 Margaret Court, Mary'sville, Maryland. Okay, hold on. Before you say one other thing, I am a property owner at 151. No, no, no. No, wait. You're speaking way too fast. Oh, and I can't and I did not get your full name or your I'll say it slow. Sorry. That's okay. Dion. D I O N E. McMillan Thorne. That's Dr. Dion. McMillan Thornne. McMillan hyphen Thornne. Yes. H O R N E. That's correct.

Thank you. And I'm sorry, doctor. Your address 12 024 Margaret Court Maryland 21104 Marriottville Maryland 21 Marriottsville like the hotel Marriottville Maryland 21104 and your interest is what which property um I live at 15 property owner 151 Philip Street so all the properties that want to be built 1301 131 Philip Street. That that is what I'm here to okay

speak about. So, excuse me. Good evening members of the zoning board. I just said my name and I'm here rep on behalf of my parents and my family who you will hear from regarding the proposed development at 151 Philip. I'm sorry at 130 131. Do I need to say each one of those every time or Okay. 130 Phillip Street. Um, we have lived in this neighborhood for over 50 years. We care about this street in the community and the long-term stability and its character. We understand and respect the importance of housing, including affordable housing. However, our position is not about who may live there. Our concerns are about the specific var zoning variances being requested and the practical impact the development will have on already small constrained street, Philip Street. The applicant is requesting multiple significant variances. No sidewalks, no street trees, and front loaded off- streetet parking instead of rear parking. These are not minor deviations. These standards exist for important reasons. Pedestrian safety, traffic flow, environmental protection, and neighborhood consistency and design. Philip Street is already narrow and experiences congestion at times. I don't know if you're aware, but Philip Street is a street that when the Highlands is unavailable, Philip Street is a street that people use from the Highlands to leave the Highlands when it's flooded. I don't know if you know that or not. Um, adding new residential units without sidewalks increases safety risk, especially for children, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges. Eliminating required street trees removes important envir environmental buffers and aesthetic protections that contribute to the neighborhood. Most

concerning is the request for of for front-loaded parking. The zoning code clearly requires parking be located in the rear of the buildings to preserve the streetscape continuity and to prevent the exactly kind of congestion and visual clutter this proposal would create. Front- loaded parking will incre front-loaded parking will intensify traffic conflicts on an already tight street. Granting all three of these variances together would fundamentally alter the character and the function of Philip Street. A variant should only be granted where there is an unnecessary hardship unique to the property. The applicant has not demonstrated that complying with sidewalks, street trees, and rear parking is impossible, only that they prefer not to comply. Convenience or cost savings should not justify eliminating core safety and standard and design standards. So I respectfully ask the board to consider the impact of these multiple variances existing congestion on Philip Street long-term safety implications and this would set a precedent that will possibly lead to approval for future development. This neighborhood has been stable and residential for decades. So, we ask that the zoning protections designed to preserve safety and community character be upheld. Excuse me. Um, this project according to pastor Davis is a re is needed for affordable housing. While we respect the need for affordable housing as I said, however, the issue is not whether or not affordable housing is value valuable. It is whether the applicant met the legal legal standard required for multiple variances. Zoning protections exist for safety, pedestrian access, and environmental health and neighborhood design. Those standards would apply regardless of the income of the future residents.

Community doesn't benefit. Community benefit does not eliminate the requirement to comply with core zoning protections. Um, the lot is so small, we need variances. So, the lot size was known prior to the application. The applicant doesn't choose to pursue the applicant chose to pursue a development plan that does not comply with zoning. So a variance requires unique hardship tied to the property itself, not a hardship created by the design that the applicant chose. So the lot cannot accommodate the proposed density while meeting basic safety standards like sidewalks and rear parking, then the scale of the project should probably be reconsidered. They say there are no sidewalks on the block. If no side if sidewalks are currently lacking, that is not a reason to perpetuate the issue. The zoning code requires sidewalks for a reason to improve pedestrian safety and act and accessibility over time. The development is an opportunity to improve infrastructure, not bypass it. Um, street trees, street trees are part of the community are part of the city's planning standards because they contribute to urban heat reduction and environmental quality. Cost savings for the applicant should not outweigh environmental and public infrastructure standards that have been established by the city. Yes, front-loaded parking is common and convenient. The zoning code clearly requires parking to be located in the rear of the buildings. That standard exists to present to prevent um and preserve to pre to preserve neighborhood streetscape continuity. Front loading parking will increase. Front loading parking on a narrow residential street will continue the street will continue to experience congestion. So convenience doesn't meet the legal threshold for a variance.

And finally, Philip Street is already narrow. Even small increases to vehicle volume will have disproportionate impacts on emergency access, as I alluded to, to the highlands, parking availability, and pedestrian safety. Has a traffic or circulation study um been conducted specific to this block? Without objective analysis, it might be premature to conclude that the impact will be minimal. And they say this is consistent with community development goals. Community development goals must operate within a framework of the zoning law. The board's responsibility is to determine whether strict legal criteria for granting a variance has been met, including unnecessary hardship, minimum variance needed, and no adverse impact on the public. So, multiple variances would raise concern about the overall impact. Thank you.

So, so doctor, um, if there are no sidewalks now, we make them put sidewalks in. How would the neighbors feel if we make them all put sidewalks in at their own expense? Right? Because that's that's what you're suggesting. Well, no. What I'm suggesting is we've lived there without sidewalks. So, why would you continue to add create a property a unit that an area that doesn't have sidewalks? Well, because one of the criteria in the zoning variance is does it change the character of the neighborhood? By putting no sidewalks in doesn't change the character of the neighborhood. by putting sidewalks in will change the character of the neighborhood because there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.

Right. So, are you telling them they have to put sidewalks? No, I I'm just I'm not trying to make their case for it. I'm just trying to explain to you that there's there's no precedent right now for sidewalks and and also there was, you know, the lots that are there that are empty, people have a right to build on those lots. Now, what they build is why they're here. But they have a right to build just like any other house that's been put in this in this section. They have a right to build as well. Section. Would you not agree with that?

Section 595-14 says new sidewalk shall be a minimum with minimum shall be a minimum width of 5t on both sides of any street. Isn't that a code already? I'm sure it is. Yeah. So, but that's why they're here for a variance, right? So, why would you grant them something like if we're supposed to have sidewalks and Philip Street has not had sidewalks? I'm not I don't know what the board's going, but I'm trying to explain to you like right now there are no sidewalks. I know. You know, and by putting in sidewalks, does that mean then the city then goes back to all the other neighbors and say, you know what, to make it safer, to make it make it better, you're all going to put sidewalks in.

Well, then the city that that street has been there for more than 50 plus years. So, why didn't the city put sidewalks in 50 years ago? Well, I don't I don't Probably because there's not enough room, which is what they're telling us. There is not enough room. So, then why would you grant Why would you grant houses there if there weren't enough room to begin with? I'm sorry. I'm just asking questions. No, I'm just And I'm not I'm not We're here for a V because you can bend the That's what a varian is. So, you can bend the rules sometimes. Well, it's not bending the rules. It's accepting. No, no, you can grant a variance when they meet the requirements for a variance. I understand that.

Okay. And that's what this board does very frequently lately. Yeah. This board has heard a lot of cases recently. And you know, I was going to ask you, doctor, you know, you you're you're proposing um that the board not allow front load parking. Where is the parking supposed to come from if there's no alley in the back? Then you shouldn't be allowed to build houses that don't have that that don't have

And that's contrary to Pennsylvania state law. And that's contrary because everybody has the right to use their property. Everybody has the right to use their property in a reasonable manner. Ma'am, yeah, I understand what you're saying, but I'm but I'm looking at the zoning codes and if you're saying new off street parking shall be located in the rear buildings. So you're granting that exception.

Well, and well, they're asking us to grant a variance. And one of the requirements to grant a variance is that there are unique physical circumstances or conditions about the property which would justify it. In this case, there isn't an alley in the back, so you can't have parking in the back. Preston McMillan, 151 Philip Street, Eastern PA.

Yes, sir. My thought were if you was to reduce your uh number of units, you could put u a driveway along side of the house. Then you could have access to the rear. You still would be coming out to her argument. You still would be coming out on the same street that she claimed that that would be dangerous.

True. But if you put the uh garages in the back, you would be pulling out on the street rather than backing out on the street, which would be safer. That depends on how you pull into your driveway. That was my thought. If you reduce the number of units, then you can have the space between them to put a driveway. So you don't need an alley access, but the driveway would still be in the front. Well, your access to your garage would be in the rear, which your zoning your v your zoning require, but there's still

a driveway in the front, entering and exiting on Philip Street, which is what your argument is. Uh when you uh uh add that many more vehicles or units on that street, it makes it even more congested. Well, and now what you're trying to say is there shouldn't be any more units to make it congested. Pardon me. Now I if I'm hearing you correctly, you're saying there shouldn't be any more units on the block to make it more congested. You make it less units rather than the eight. Maybe put four But what the type of units they're putting there are permitted under the zoning ordinance.

I understand that. I understand that. But but if you reduce the number of units, you're going to reduce the number of uh the amount of congestion and also you will have the ability to have your rear entrances to your uh garages. Why would you put a garage in the back when there is no access back there? Well, if you put a driveway alongside the unit, you'll have access. You don't have access to an alley back there side of it going in. You still have the same vehicle, sir, pulling onto and from Phillips Street. Yes, I understand that, sir.

But if you reduce the number of units, you will have less vehicles moving in and out of unit. Okay, that's my comments. Okay, thank you sir.

Good evening. I think No, no, no. I'll wait. Frank Pinone, vice mayor, councilman for the city of East. Uhhuh. Grew up half a block away and I own the property on 109 Palmer Street. A half a block away. And I wait, you own the property where?

A half a block away. 109 Palmer Street. Um when this development first came to uh the city, we questioned how this was going to work as well. And uh we took a tour over there. Uh our concern was the McMillan family, Jones Houston, Biladas, who've been there longer than I've been on the earth. Um when we walk down the the street. The first thing we realized because we knew the zoning was required rear parking uh street trees sidewalks. But when we walked down the street um and and I was unaware, Miss McMillan, of of of this hardship for you. I didn't talk to you about it. So, I apologize for that. I should have came around and asked you specifically. But when we walked down, we realized that none of the homes had sidewalks or the street trees, and they all had front parking for front garages and and driveways. And then we noticed, or I forgot, so we renoticed that uh there was two homes built in the last few years on the block that don't have sidewalks and they have front driveways and front garages and no street trees. Um after we saw all of that, we just didn't think it was fair fair to um not allow this one. And so the city has uh agreed to invest almost a half a million dollars of ARPA money as well as city resources to make this available. There's a couple projects that are either coming to you already or will be coming to you in the southside for new development. And just like downtown, they're all market rate. One of the things our residents are having a problem with is buying homes or renting that they can afford. And these are projects that we desperately need and is why the city uh supports the project. Thank you for your time. Thank you.

Good evening. Uh Beth Norman. I'm an owner as well of 151 Phip Street, but I currently reside at 715 West Wilbury Street East in PA. Um my concern is that uh my sister touched on that emergency road for the Highlands and no we don't have sidewalks and we've never had sidewalks. There is literally three families back in that deadend area. We had kids there. Why the city didn't never put sidewalks in? We don't know. But now you're talking about bringing more homes in that may have more kids in like we spoke of. He spoke uh he spoke of the new homes that were added to one side of Philip 151 and the other side of 151. They have children. These kids are they play in the street. We've lived there. We don't have this is something new just to that street that these children are out running in the street because there's no sidewalk. they have a little bit of a yard or whatever. So that safety comes that piece is very very important to me because having grandchildren there, my my grandchildren there, it this is this adding these homes is going to cause more volume of people and cars, vehicles. The street already you can't even go up and down the street when the traffic is coming out of the Highlands when it when the safety gate is open. It's literally you have to kind of tell people to slow down as they're flying up the street because these kids play in the street because there's there is no sidewalk. They tend they just that's where they end up playing at. Um also I I I heard that you were on another case you were discussing you talked about the landscaping change.

Duplexes will cause a landscaping change because yes there are two maybe These are uh two duplexes on the side of our home, 151 Phip Street, but all the other surrounding homes, they're all single by level homes. So that does that does change the landscape in that area. They're putting in the duplexes. Respect respectfully, ma'am. Duplexes are permitted use there. Oh, I'm I'm this I'm not saying that that's not I'm just saying that to I me you mentioned earlier about the landscape being changed and all I'm saying is that the landscape will be changed. That's all I'm saying. Can I ask you something? Uhhuh. You are part owner of 151 Phillips.

Yes. Does your property have sidewalks? No. I just said no. Right. So, how would putting sidewalks on these properties make it safer for your grandchildren at your house? No.

No, no, no, wait, wait, wait. No, no, no, no, no, no. Just wait a minute. Just wait a minute because I'm going to be finished after this. My only other thing I have to say is again, my sister spoke of the affordable housing. I understand that. I utilized it. But you when you bring in then affordable housing into an area, it then will change the value of the homes that already exist there. So that to me is a concern as well because it it will decrease the value of the single homes that are there. Is that is agreed?

Okay. So that to that to me that is something that definitely needs to be addressed and hasn't been addressed. Um, and I But you can't answer my other question. Well, no, I'm going to get back. I'm going to get to that, but you were saying about the sidewalks. I understand that about the sidewalk. You You made a comment that how will the sidewalk across the street make my granddaughter safe? Yeah, that's what you're I It's not going to Okay. It's not going to It's not going to make anybody safe, to be honest, because the street's too small for a sidewalk. It's just going to make it even worse. So, why make them put a sidewalk there?

I'm not saying have them. I'm not saying to make them put a sidewalk in. I'm I stress the sidewalk because of the narrowness of the street. That's why I talking of the sidewalk because I would believe sidewalks on our street wouldn't be on our property if it was on on there. But understand, ma'am, they're here on three issues. Sidewalks, trees, front parking. Correct. Yes. That that's all they're here for. Yes. You just said I'm not saying have them put sidewalks there. Well, I'm saying back

and you acknowledge that if they were required to, it wouldn't do anything to make your grandchildren any safer playing at your property. As far as the front load parking, do you acknowledge that all of the other properties or all of the other homes already have front-loaded parking here? Yes, we all do. Okay. And that's because there is no alley in the back.

I I got I got that when you tell my sister. I understand that. I I I get that. What I'm not the front load in parking. I I didn't I don't think I said about front loop parking. I did I didn't say anything about that because I feel like my sister covered that. So that that's the whatever that So now we've eliminated two of the three items that they are here for and they're here for nothing else other than those three items. Yes. So the only other item is the street trees. Okay. So then when we received the letter about this hearing, this zoning board hearing tonight and we were told that we could come, it was just limited to trees, front parking, and that's all they're correct. That but that's what that's what it's all limited to.

Exactly. That's correct. Okay. So I think because everything else they're doing is compliant with the zoning ordinance. The the emergency road the street the street itself congestion the congestion that what something was done you did a an analysis that let me was was there some type of report made with as far as the street the congestion of the street? No. Did you do you have any? No, I don't I don't have anything. But that's why I'm asking.

If you're objecting on that basis, that's up to you to establish with evidence that what they are proposing would be detrimental to the neighborhood. Okay. Well, okay. I understand what you're saying. So, I feel like my sister covered much. I just again wanted to touch on the value of the property being decreased with these homes coming as well because that to me is just as important. Very good. Thank you.

Yeah. Go ahead. So, regarding the the safety of the children and playing, you know, in the front of the house, it's a little tough to read the site plans at this uh you know, microscope, but um it looks like the backyards are fairly decent sized. Is that correct? So, the 30 by 30 almost

for the five properties that we're discussing right now, yeah, we have 30 foot rear yard setbacks, which is what the ordinance requires. and about how what about 30 by like each like so just as an example again because it's very important that the safety of those children I I can understand what they're saying but just you know for the record there's a 30 yard or 30 foot setback from the next property line and then what's the width roughly I mean 28 I mean it's hard to see yeah 130 is 30t wide 132 134 136 are all 30 feet wide and then as 138's 40 feet wide so they're arguably 30 by 30. I mean, that's a Yeah. And as we get into some of the other hearings, there's a couple that are 40 feet wide.

Okay. So, that's pretty decent backyard for children to play in this community. Yes. Okay. Yeah. And I also want to note this is a dead end street. It it is only it's an emergency access that the access gets opened when it gets flooded down on 611. So, that's the only time that they'll be through traffic through here. Otherwise, these properties are at the dead end of the street. and and and and just just I can follow up on that. When there is a flooding emergency, I presume residents are notified so that they can bring their children in. Are they not? I mean, I'm asking the question. I personally don't know the answer to that.

Okay. Ma'am, can I identify myself so I can speak? Sure. Brandy with an I. Goodwin. G O D W I N Current address 1051 and a half West Lincoln Street Eastn 18042 additional owner of 151 Phip Street

and

so I get and have heard clear and understood everything that you have said regarding the three reasons that we're here. However, as someone who came home from the hospital to that house, I have a different vantage point than what the city has or even what these prospective builders have. Yes, we are speaking about the safety of children. Yes, we are speaking about our children and grandchildren. That is something that's not being taken into consideration, but it is a reality of the development. The reality is is that if you have ever driven on that street, two cars cannot pass simultaneously. It is physically impossible. So though the variance is talking about these three specific items, these are things that do need to also be considered. The reality is is that as eight more houses are potentially on that street, you're talking potentially another 8 to 16 drivers that will be on that street at any given time. And to your point, the road is not only open when 611 floods, it also happens when there's snow and there is never any notification to the homeowners of that occurring. So at any time that road can be opened up and no one we usually will just come out and it's like oh the street's open. So no there is never any notification. So I understand and can respect the need to make affordable housing but I also as my sisters mentioned have to be concerned about our property value and what that will bring to us as existing. Right. So, you're talking about other families establishing home ownership and having an opportunity to develop generational wealth, but now you're reducing my family's generational wealth by

decreasing the value of the homes that are coming on that street. Do one of these other gentlemen want to then live on that street and have their home value decreased? So, you can't just think about those people that you're trying to help now, but those who are already there. When we lived on the street, there were four houses, so there was no need for sidewalks. The junkyard was behind us. 78 didn't exist. 78 came behind our house when I was 14. I'm almost 53. So, lots have changed since then. So, yes, we are speaking specifically about these three variances, but let's not put ourselves in a hole that that's all that really is being considered because not the only thing that is impacted by making the decision to grant these variances or not.

Thank you. Thank you. So, so pastor, if you could speak to and I understand that these these um duplexes are permitted. Yeah. But if you could speak to the extra congestion for your decision to want to put eight instead of four.

Sure. Yeah. I think we want to help as many um city residents as possible without going outside of what the city requires. I mean, you think about some of these projects that are happening right now. Um you know, take for instance the confluence. Many of the eastern residents are not going to be able to afford to move into those apartments uh and some of the other luxury apartments. And I have nothing against those developers. However, um I think that considering these families and their need to grow as well, and there's nothing that says that these new homes that are being built from the ground up by a uh premier builder in our community is going to bring the property value down. I think that's an assumption that doesn't have any proof. We're making an assumption that these beautifully built because many of Mr. Tuscus' homes, uh, 1,500 square f feet, three and a, uh, three bedrooms, two and a half baths are selling for $500,000. We're not selling them for that, but that doesn't mean that the value is not going to be there.

So, you know, you brought it up. So, what are you going to sell them for?

So, we can go up to 100% AMI. Um, and that is by the state of Pennsylvania because they gave us money to make this happen. Before I answer your question completely, I want you to understand that the reason that many people don't do affordable housing is because it's not affordable to do affordable housing. There's no profit in it. We're not making any money from this. This is literally city, state, um, uh, county money coming into this project to make it happen. We are hoping, um, that, you know, a family of four uh, that meet that is at the top of 100% AMI can afford somewhere around $250,000. Um, and for those families that are less, we have we're following kind of the same model that the city of East End and the RDA followed as it relates to what they sold the homes that they built and sold to first-time homeowners right on the southside. So, we're following the same model, have worked with um the Department of Community and Economic Development as well. So, they'll be somewhere between 250 and $200,000.

So, let me ask you this. So somebody does somebody qualifies buys the house for 225. Yeah. Can they sell it for 500? Can't do it. So um there is a deed restriction that is built in there uh for between five and 10 years that they have to keep it affordable. So a developer couldn't come in or you know from say New York and buy a home, hold it for a year and then sell it because we have a covenant restriction uh written in there that keeps that property affordable for a period of time which is required by the state of Pennsylvania. And what is the period of time? It's between five and 10 years. It depends. But after that then they can sell it for whatever they whatever they want. Absolutely. It becomes part of the normal housing stock.

Yes sir. But the the key to keep it affordable is so that it has an extended period of time. The people get a chance to build up equity as well. We believe it stabilizes the community and it stops sharks from coming in and acquiring that. So, you'll have to qualify um by HUD guidelines. You'll have to complete a home buyer counseling uh program and bring that certificate and you'll have to meet with the bank, of course, and get the full financing for the project. But then just again to because I don't think you answered the first part of my question about the congestion and why it can't be four instead of eight.

Sure. I it we never said it can't be four instead of eight. Um we were looking to make the maximum impact for workingclass families to be able to purchase a home. And I would make a point that there's probably only 10 homes on that block altogether right now. So, and I may be miscounting, but the p it's right in front of you. It's a deadend street. Um, and there's only 10 houses on there now. So, it's not that we would be overly congesting um that block. Uh, we would be adding homes according to the city's regulations, but we would be providing homes for first-time homeowners. And for us, we try to impact lives. We try to help people um, you know, become homeowners.

I understand that. And I and I I appreciate your your what you're trying to do again, but there's also impacting their lives as well. But um and I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I mean, I don't know. Have you talked to your neighbors? Have you talked to them at all?

The persons who sold us uh those lots are two of the longest standing um African-American leaders in our community, Bill Houston and Alfred Dean Jones. So, we purchased the land from them and I sat with them and they actually shared with me the struggles that they had um when they were trying to purchase a home um and how they had to go through significant hoops to be able to do that. They saw the value in it um and we were able to come to agreement to acquire the lot the lots to be able to build those homes out. Okay.

I'm just making sure that they're being heard. That's all. And I I will say we also had a community meeting where probably about 150 folks came from the southside about a year ago and we shared all of our plans, not just that development, but the affordable housing we're trying to do on Canal Street uh where the old Paradise uh club is. That's a 60 units of affordable housing. So u we did have a community meeting. Mr. McMillan was actually there um and he shared his concern um at that at that meeting. Um, however, um, not discounting what he's saying, we're really trying to serve the greater good and serve as many families as we possibly can um, by providing affordable, safe, uh, housing and giving them a foot up.

And and again, these are existing lots. Yes. And I just want to make sure so the the square footage is about 1500 roughly. That's what we're talking. So at 250, you're about $166 a square foot. Mhm. At 200, you're 133. Pretty cheap. I'm a licensed agent, but that's actually pretty in coinciding with Southside's square footage, you know, for any given house. I do comps every day. So, $166 a square is, you know, I mean, again, depends on what you're looking for new construction.

No, no, no. I'm saying you're compare for the argument about valuation reduction. $166 a square foot for the Southside region is is fairly close to what market comparables are. Um, again, give it there's unique properties with different perks, but it's not too far off market. Thank you. Any other questions from the board? You guys have anything else you wanted to say? Wait a second. Wait one second. Repeat your name again.

Dion McMillan Thornne.

Um, so my question, my point is yes, I I'm not opposed to affordable housing. Um, but yes, Bill Houston and Alfred E. Jones sold that land. Um, but there it is our street, not their street, that's being impacted. And as my sister has pointed out several times, and if you drive down Philip Street, only one car can get through at a time. Full stop. And I think it's kind of um you know, a little disingenuous to say low income or affordable housing will not bring down the property value because if you're talking about building generational wealth, it is impacting us and we want to leave something for our family as well. So our our future generations and it's it's just really um disheartening and I think that you know four yes I would like to see more people have affordable housing but if you can make it four instead of eight perhaps but eight the congestion is going to be bad. We we live we live there for 50 years. We know what it's like when the highlands are open. So, I'm just saying the congestion impact, I don't think while we're only talking about those three things, that will have a huge impact on our street.

Thank you.

If I might respond, um, Mr. Houston and Mr. Jones, this is directly in their backyard. So, where their grandchildren would play, uh, the kids from the homes behind them are directly, you can look on the it's directly behind their homes. So, they they will be impacted. Are there any other questions from the board? Do you have anything else you want to add? I just wanted to add one item in regards to the street trees. Now, I testified that the hardship is because of the width of the road, the fact that we have a five foot build two line and and the the roadway itself is actually at the property line. So, we don't have enough room to comply with the street chief tree ordinance that specifies you have to put them behind the curb at 50 foot intervals. That's not to say we're not going to plant street plant trees with these applications. We have room to plant, you know, one tree along the sides of each house. It just can't comply with the strict requirements of the uh the ordinance for location and and in relationship to the front of the property.

Michelle, so We heard some testimony from some people in the audience about the road. Can you speak up a little bit? You got to put your mic on. We've heard about the road being open from the Highlands. Is that something we have control over at all? Like is that I don't know if that's the police department or or who makes that call. I'm only asking because if that is a concern of Mr. in, you know, is there is that always going to remain closed? Is it only open for, you know, snow or emergency services? Because that does seem like a concern of the people that are in the audience.

Uh, yes. So, uh, a couple times people from the Highlands particularly came to get that gate removed to have access back and forth and the McMillan family and other families on that block, Philip Street, fought it. And a lot of people in the Highlands fought it. They don't want the traffic. So there's no plans for that. There's a uh project coming on Grant Street for like 500 units and they're telling if they want a road they have to connect that way to come out to Grant at the bottom of Frederick and Grant. We don't know if they're going to do that or not. Um the only time the gate is open and our public works uh department manages that if there's a flood on 611 or a big snowstorm like we just had two weeks ago where 611 is dangerous going down the hill, public works will open the gate until the roads are clear and then they come back and they lock the gate. But there's not not any support to open that gate uh for traffic non-stop. Not as not a not that it's not that it's gerine to this hearing and it's totally off the wall, but this is question for you maybe to ask somebody from the city, but can the neighbors be notified when it's going to be open?

Um I I I could ask them. So it would I mean they usually just open it and and the neighbors and I don't know I don't want to speak for the Mcnilla family, but living there my whole life as well. Um it's just known that if there's a flood on 611 or there's a big snowstorm, they're going to pop the gate for safety reasons. Uh and then they're going to close it soon as the roads are clear. Um I just there's probably seven over a thousand units in the Highlands and then Philip Street. I just don't know if they'd be able to let everybody know, but um it's kind of a known thing. uh you know because it's that gate's been there since 78 came in if if I'm not mistaken or or not 78 pardon me the second phase of the highlands probably about 15 years ago. Um so it's kind of common knowledge that if there's a flood or bad weather they open the gate.

Well I I was thinking the same thing. If if the family has lived there for that long as you have, you kind of know that if we're getting six, seven inches of snow, the likelihood is there that they're going to open that gate. Yeah. The Highland is their only way in and out is down 611. It's a really steep hill, right? So when it gets slippery or there's a flood down there, they can't get out or in safely. So they open that back gate, right? But we nobody wants to open it, including the city, because to to the McMillan point. We don't want traffic in and out, you know, using that as a way in, way out for a thousand plus homes. So, we keep the gate closed.

Yeah. I I would just offer uh just from a reasonability perspective, there's a lot of families right now um who are looking for affordable housing, looking to acquire affordable housing. There's not a lot of people who have the courage to step out and do something like this to really impact families. Um and uh you know we're out here really trying to get it done and our motives are pure um to really impact and empower families and we feel like this is a project that can be significant and it can help uh some family some families uplift. So we're we're only asking for three variances. Um and it is the the garages um you know the front street garages uh the no sidewalks and the trees. and we really like you to consider the opportunity to impact these families lives. Thank you very much.

Thank you. And I close the hearing. criteria for each other. How many of them It is not. But it is Change the character. Not the I think

I think it does. There's 11 houses now. You're doubt. One, two, three, four, five. They're on their own. They're single. They're all single shape detached, but they're attaching them. and there is building the age. their l

I think it changes Could you

couldn't argue it successfully because what the judge would say is wait a minute. going to put none of the other properties on the block side. So, how all of the other properties have you

use? Yeah, let's do it. I can't combine two of the lots to put a single on. two garage or three car garage instead of

I understand because I understand what they're saying because My 16th Street and there's another car down there all the way up. Quick question. Is there no street? Halfway party. You already can't get two cars residents starting on that street. The driveway You won't be able to

go in the garage. So people What you could do?

You could think that be restrict.

Well, nobody's restriction. You could call the police and they could call.

Well, all right. Hang on a minute. As a practical matter car. There's nobody saying you can't let me ask you something. I see what you're saying. with the condition that all vehicles come by my house. There is cars. to my house.

That's what I'm saying.

Sure. Yeah, I made two after this. And then two more. You should be able to

protect that parking. No street parking. I say no street parking.

Let's put it this way. If they get to be up to about stability. They have to go to the building.

So the kids could play back there instead of the street like they probably have the same size. I'm think

I'm concerned with cars starting to here like like you know you start getting neighbors friends I'm worried about cars start you know your cars are going to be parking up to the front you know what I mean stacking down this road with this development wheels will be on the road which is eliminated we Not right now.

Was it open?

Bring my phone. Posted signs understand. West Virginia.

Wow. Well, make it somebody's problem, I guess.

What's the um the parking requirements? A house fences for everyone.

I don't know what to do because I just Just like the Palmer Township, they want to build 300 units here about traffic.

The density of I thought they had like well not that big but just somehat

or no I mean let me ask you So you could have other parents at least. They don't know. I'm sorry. All right. I'll make that motion. Yeah, we will.

Oh boy. Was there a second? I'll second. All right, Mr. Civetella. I, Miss Volcano Hall. Hi, Mr. Lobac. I Miss Thomas. Hi. It's been granted with the condition that there's no parking on the street. In front of the property. Is that something the city enforces or can be as it were? Okay. You need a break, Bob? You need a break? I might be able to do one or two more. Okay.

All right. So, now what do we want to do? You read all through all these now or what? Yeah, we're going to have to read through each one and then I'll ask them if they want to incorporate.

I I just want you guys to know the board understands your your plight. Well, only if it's brick. Yeah. With the McDonald's arches on each. But I mean, I want you to understand like I I don't want you to think people don't hear you. It just it's a matter of law. That's what we took so long about the parking of the street. We we're going to maybe figure that talk a little bit more about that in the next hearing. We we Yeah.

Yeah. We have five more of five of these for I just want you to know that. But correct. So we we have a couple questions that we've found. garage. That's not for them though. That's for these houses. That's for the new ones. Yeah. Yes, they're all the same.

What's going to happen is we're going to open each hearing. We're going to ask them if they want to incorporate the testimony from the prior hearing. They're going to say yes. And we're going to see if there's any other questions. And then we're going to just take a vote each time. Yeah. Because if we don't start soon, it won't be tonight. But and and very very quickly for the record, I did go and speak to Mr. McMillan and just apologize for not having that um upfront conversation um and told him whatever we can do on the back end to to make it work. We're we're more than happy to do that. They've been in this community a long time. I didn't mean to in any way disrespect him or his family. So,

all right. I'm going to open up the next hearing. Secretary, get the perfect, please.

All right. Application is hereby made for a public hearing before the East Zoning Hearing Board for a property known as 132 Phip Street Zoning District Southside Black Class B. uh variances as follows. 59514F2 proposed. No sidewalks required. New sidewalk shall be a minimum width of 5t on both sides of any street in the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing. New sidewalking curbing with shall match. 59514F3 proposed. No street trees required. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 5542 and as determined by the city forester 59514F4. Proposed front loaded off- streetet parking required new off- streetet parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. Depellant is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway building 10 Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109. The owner of the property is Greater Community Development Corporation at 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street in Eastn, PA, 18042. Uh, seven adjacent property owners were notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you, gentlemen. I see the applicant is present. I have you I don't have that sworn in, do I? Yeah. Um, you gentlemen were both sworn in for the prior hearing. Do you recognize that you're still under oath? Okay. Would you just identify yourselves for the record in this hearing? Yeah. Philip Davis, 600 Country Club Road, Eastn PA 18045. Richard Rosebury, Kios Engineering, 1110 American Parkway, Allentown, Pennsylvania. And gentlemen, you were both here and made a presentation relative to the property at 130 Phillips Street immediately prior here too. Is that correct? Yes.

Yes. Uh, and it was for exactly the same relief as is being sought in this appeal with respect to 132 Phip Street. Is that correct? Yes. Yes. And therefore, would you like to incorporate the testimony from the 130 Phip Street hearing into this record? Yes. Yes. Does the board have any questions? Um, so I guess in this whole process when you decided to do this, you did not realize that you couldn't fit two cars in that in the in the driveway.

No, we realize that we're limited to that build two line though. Do you I guess let me propose this another way. Pursuant to the neighborhood's concern, there's 10 11 houses. We're adding eight arguably, you know, double double in the neighborhood for a great cause. What how do we control, you know, the developer, the sellers, the, you know, the the deed, you know, Mr. Initi, like if our concern is, I'll just put it out there. Every house has three cars. that street can become a extreme safety hazard

for emergency vehicles illegal parking of looking you know that's a little we didn't really I didn't grasp that there was a five foot driveway I didn't either first um so that's if you know maybe you guys want to talk to the develop not that you can change dimensional but maybe a consideration of the sale and street parking. I don't I don't know if

really what we can control is the contractual portion of it with the purchasers of the property. They're going to know what the limitations are on the parking on that property. Now, there are potential for those homeowners in the future to add some off- streetet parking on the property, but they'll probably have to come and get a variance for either the setback to the parking or impervious coverage on the lots. Those are the other limitations we we had when we looked at it. So potential purchaser knows they have no parking, no garage or one car garage. If they can't live with that, they shouldn't buy the property. If they get into a situation where they know they're going to need additional parking and they have the ability to maybe put a 10 foot by 20 foot pad on the side of the house, they'll have to come back here and request the necessary relief to do that.

That's fair enough. Fair enough. And the board also recognizes that there eight lots that can you could have eight homes and five cars in every home. Right. So yeah. Okay. So if there's no no other comments, uh board has no questions, right? We close the hearing. I do. Mrs. Thomas um second the motion with the same conditions. Okay. Anybody second Miss Thomas? Hi.

Mr. Civetella. Hi. Mr. Lobac. Hi. Miss Volcano Hall. Hi. All right.

Open up the next hearing. Yep. Application is hereby made for a public hearing before the eastern zoning hearing board for a property known as 134 Phip Street. Uh zoning district southside block class B. Variances as follows. 59514 F2 proposed. No sidewalks required. New sidewalk shall be a minimum width of 5T on both sides of any street in the case where there is existing sidewalks and curbing. No sidewalk and curbing with shall match. Uh 59514 F3 proposed. No street trees required. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 5542 and as determined by the city forester 59514 F4 proposed front-loaded off- streetet parking required new off- streetet parking shall be located in the rear buildings. The appellant is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway building 10 Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109. and the owner of the property is Greater Community Development Corporation at 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street Eastn PA 18042. 7 adjacent property owners are notified and was in the press.

Thank you. Tillman applicant is present. Um you just want to state your name again for the for the record. Philip Davis, Richard Roseberry and you gentlemen recognize you're both still under oath. Um may I Mr. Mr. Chairman. Yes. And you uh made a presentation a few minutes ago relative to 130 Philip Street. Is that correct?

Yes. And that presentation included the exact same relief being sought presently for 134 Philip Street. Is that correct? Yes. Is it your desire to incorporate into this record the testimony presented for 130 Phip Street? Yes. Thank you. Um, there motion Mrs. Thomas made the motion. Second by Mr. Lobac. Miss Thomas. Hi. Mr. Lobac. Hi. Mr. Santella. Hi. Miss Volcano. Hi.

Moving right along.

Open up the next hearing. Applications hereby made for public hearing before the East and Zoning Hearing Board for a property known as 136 Philip Street in zoning district southside block class B. Variance is as follows. 59514F2 proposed no sidewalks required. New sidewalk shall be a minimum width of 5t on both sides of any street in the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing. New sidewalk and curbing width shall match. 59514 F3. No street trees required. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 5542 and as determined by the city forester 59514 F4 proposed front-loaded off- streetet parking required new off- streetet parking shall be located in the rear of the buildings. The appellant is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway building 10 Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109. Uh the owner is Greater Community Development Corporation at 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street East NPA 180427 adjacent property owners are notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you, Tman. Um this is 136, Mr. Tilman. Yes. Yes. Uh just a quick question. What? There's two of them, right? Two 136s. Yeah, I got one. Two 136es, too. Is there was supposed to be a 138? So I have

what's interesting here is the city's GIS does not match up with the counties yet. So when we had to make application through the city's online system, I had to use the addresses available to us. And I put an explanation in there. So if you go sequentially, it is 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 or the county GIS, which is what we'd request. It just doesn't match up with the cities, which is outdated. That's why like zero Charles is listed on some of these. I saw that. That doesn't exist anymore except in the city's GIS. Okay. Do you want to just state again for the record? State your name. Yeah. Richard Roseberry with Collier's Engineering.

Philip Davis, Greater Community Development Corporation. And gentlemen, you recognize that you are both still under oath from prior hearings. Yes. Yes. And specifically initially you made a presentation relative to 130 Philip Street. Is that correct? Yes. And in that presentation it was for exactly the same three items of relief that you're asking for with respect to the present property at 138 Philip Street. Yes. Yes. And for that purpose is it your desire to incorporate the testimony from 130 Philip Street hearing into this record? Yes. Thank you. And Mr. Um Tilman as with this hearing all the previous ones the property was posted.

Yes that's correct. Okay there motion. I'll make a motion to grant with the conditions. Second Mr. Civetella. I Mr. Loac. Miss Thomas. Hi. Miss Volcano Hall. I One more. One more and then two more. One more and then two more. Yeah. I got two. Oh, okay. Of the hearing. Three more. I only have two here. We'll go through it then. Y.

All right. Um, application is hereby made for a public hearing before the East Zoning Hearing Board for a property known as 138 Phip Street Zoning District, Southside Block Class B. Variance is as follows. 59514F2 proposed. No sidewalks required. New sidewalk shall be a minimum width of 5t or both sides of on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing with shall match 59514F3 proposed, no street trees required, street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 554 to and as determined by the city forester. 59514 F4 proposed front-loaded off- streetet parking required. New off- streetet parking shall be located in the rear buildings. The appellent is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway, building 10 Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109. The owner is Greater Community Development Corporation at 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street, Eastn PA 18042. Seven adjacent property owners were notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you, gentlemen. Um, if you guys just want to again just quickly give your names. Richard Rosebury, Philip Davis, and agreed to uh carry out your testimony into this hearing as well. the last hearing. Yes. Is there a motion? Just to clarify on the record, um this is the second one marked 136 Phillips Street. It is actually 138 Philip Street. Correct. Just correct. All right. Thank you. I I make a motion to grant Mr. Civetella. Hi, Mr. Lopes. Miss Thomas. Hi,

Miss Volcano Hall. Hi. That was spirited. Wow. Getting near the end. Open up the next hearing. Secretary with the purpose, please.

All right. Um, application is hereby made for a public hearing before the East Zoning Hearing Board for a property known as Zero Charles Street in zoning district southside block class B. For clarifications, this is 142 Phillips Street. Variance is as follows. 59514D proposed rear yard setback of 10 ft required a minimum 30 foot rear yard setback. 59514F2 proposed no sidewalks required new sidewalk shall be a minimum width of 5t on both sides of any street in the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing. New sidewalk and curbing with shall match. 59514F3 proposed no street trees required. Street trees shall be planned along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 5542 and as determined by the city forester 59514 F4 proposed front loaded off streetet parking required new off- streetet parking shall be located in the rear of the buildings the pelling is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway building 10 Allentown Pennsylvania 18109 the owner is Greater Community Development Corporation at 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street Uh, East NPA 18042. Seven adjacent property owners are notified and it was published in the press.

All right. Applicants are sworn in and Mr. um, tell me this property was posted. Yes, I was. Gentlemen, I want to give your names again, please. Richard Rosebury, Philip Davis. And with this one, I I'm assuming you're going to incorporate your prior testimony for the no sidewalks, no street trees, front loaded off streetet parking. Yes. And then um I guess you're going to have to talk about the rear yard set back. That's correct.

Yeah. So on this property, once again, it's an existing property. The dimensions of the property are 40t wide by 60 ft deep. Um they meet the minimum dimensional standards of the ordinance, the minimum lot size. Uh when we met with Tuscus on this uh it was the uh intent to keep the same structure for uniformity along the street uh which would then push the uh building into the rear yard setback but likewise it then increases the sideyard setback. So you basically giving what would have been a rear yard is now going to be on a sideyard similar area for open space around the property. It also does give the ability in the future, as we mentioned, should those homeowners decide to put a 10 by 20 pad on the side of the house, it gives them ample frontage that they can can do it, I think, even without a variance on these two lots. Um, I think there's 200 square feet of additional impervious can be built on these lots before they need a variance. So, that would be a 10 by 20 foot pad and that would be the limit. So, I think the configuration of the house is appropriate for the neighborhood. Um, and given the set back from the proposed houses to the existing houses, which is pretty substantial, measuring it at um 40 I'm sorry. Yeah, 45 ft. Uh, gives a pretty good open space between the properties. Any question on the board? All right. Or no questions. Anything else you want to add? this property. All right, we'll close the hearing.

Linda made a motion. Miss Thomas and it's the same one with the condition. Correct. With the condition. All right. Uh, Miss Thomas, Miss Volcano Hall. Hi, Mr. Civotella. Hi, Mr. Lopez. Hi. Okay. Open up the last hearing. Yes.

All right. Application is hereby made for a public hearing before the East and Zoning Hearing Board for a property known as Zero Charles Street in zoning district southside block class block class B. For for clarification, this is 144 Phillips Street. Variance is as follows. 59514D proposed rear yard setback of 10 feet. The required minimum 30 foot rear yard setback. 59514F2 proposed no sidewalks required new sidewalks shall be a minimum width of 5t on both sides of any street in the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing. New sidewalk and curbing width shall match. 59514 F3 proposed no street trees required. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 5542 and as determined by the city forester 59514F4 proposed front-loaded off- streetet parking required new off- streetet parking shall be located in the rear of the buildings is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway building 10 Allentown Pennsylvania 18109 the owner is Greater Community Development Corporation at 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street Eastern PA 18042 two seven adjacent property owners are notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you to Tman and Mr. Tilman or Mr. and Mrs. Tman. It's a long night. Let me start over. Thank you, Mr. Tilman. Applicants have been sworn in. Mr. Tilman's property was posted. Yes, it was. Okay. Um, gentlemen, if you give your name, please for the record. Richard Rosebury. Philip Davis. Is your intention to incorporate the hearing from the previous Charles Street hearing into this hearing with regards to the setback? Yes. Yes. And I will close this hearing. Did you make it? I don't care who made it.

Who second it? Who second it? Linda did. Mrs. Stark. Miss Volcano Hall. Hi. Miss Thomas. Hi. Mr. Zetella. Mr. Low Tech. Now, which other one were I don't have another one in my packet. She didn't Yeah. Uh yeah, we applied for eight properties. Uh 140 Charles or 140 Phillips, which was actually another it was another Zero Charles. And this is the vacated portion of Charles Street. Oh boy.

Wait, did another one? Yeah, if you look on our plan, it's a vacated portion of Charles Street, which the city has vacated, which basically comes to us. Now, we applied. It doesn't have a street address, so we used a zero Charles. Yeah, we had two Charles Street. It was two. I was going to ask why it jumped from 138 to 142, right? I had But I had applied for 140 also. I mean, there's nothing in here. I gota apologize. I don't see anything for a third. Well, third one. Would it be three for

Is is 140 exactly the same as 142 and 144? Yes. I you will get him a copy of everything if somehow it has been eaten by the mice in his office. It should be No, I'm being facitious. Yeah. I mean, it's all electronic, so it's easy to go back and look, right? I You can entertain it. Okay. Open up the last hearing. This one's for 140. Correct. Correct.

All right. All right. Application is hereby made for a public hearing for decent zoning hearing board for property known as zero Charles Street in zoning district southside block class B. For clarification, this is 140 Phillips Street. Variance is as follows. 59514D. Proposed rear yard setback of 10 ft. required a minimum 30 foot rear yard setback. 59514F2 proposed no sidewalks required. New sidewalk shall be a minimum width of 5t on both sides of any street in the case where there is an existing sidewalk and curbing. New sidewalk and curbing with shall match 59514F3 proposed no street trees required. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets in accordance with chapter 5542 and as determined by city forester 59514 F4 proposed front loaded off streetet parking required new off- streetet parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. Uh the pell is Richard Roseberry at 1110 American Parkway building 10 Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109. The owner is Greater Community Development Corporation at 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street, East NPA 18042, seven adjacent property owners were notified and it was published in the press.

Thank you, Mr. Tilman. Um, I see the applicants are here. They're sworn in. If you give your name, please. Richard Rosebury, Philip Davis. Thank you. And Mr. Tilman, this property was posted. Yes, it was. Is your intention, gentlemen, to incorporate the uh testimony from last hearing into this hearing? It is. Yes. Second. Thank you. I will close this hearing. I will make a motion to approve with conditions. Who seconds it? Mr. Lac. All right. Mr. Civetella. Hi, Mr. Lobac. Hi, Miss Thomas. Hi, Miss Volcano. Hi.

Thank you very much. We're done. Thank you everyone.