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Politics & Government

City Townhouse Developments Get Mixed Reviews

1200 Eaton Ave. plan is running out of time; 1801 Elliott Ave. gets conditional approval.

Neighbors of two proposed townhouse developments in Bethlehem, one in the 1200 block of Eaton Avenue and the other on Elliot Avenue, voiced concerns about traffic, noise, safety, quality of life and other problems they say could arise from the projects during last week's meeting of the Bethlehem Planning Commission.

Bethlehem developer Dominic Villani sought a two- to three-year extension to a plan submitted in 2009 to construct a nine-unit townhouse development at 1210 Eaton Ave. with 24 parking spaces on a 0.8-acre L-shaped lot. Villani said he needs more time to either resolve issues raised by the planning bureau or change the proposal.   

Planners approved a 60-day extension, stating the developer has 30 days to address the issues “point by point.” Project engineer Kevin Horvath of Keystone Consulting Engineers Inc., said Villani would resolve the issues or withdraw the plan.

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In a June 16, 2009 review, the planning bureau, in recommending denial of the proposal, said stormwater control, fire truck access turnaround space and width of an entry aisle were not compliant with city zoning and fire requirements. Darlene L. Heller, director of planning and zoning, said a revised plan has not been submitted.

Commission Vice Chairman Stephen Thode, asked Villani if he “has submitted a single document” in the past 25 months addressing  the issues. Noting current economic conditions, Villani said he has been attempting to purchase property at 1214 Eaton Ave. to gain additional space, “or if not just build an apartment building. Rental is OK with me too.” The area is zoned multi-family.

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Neighbors of the proposed development cited the unfairness of issuing an extension after 25 months. J. T. McNally of 1128 Eaton Ave. said “We have a crisis in our area,” citing increasing traffic created by the construction of a medical center, bank, apartment building and drug store.

Conditional approval was given to a plan for 22 townhouses on a 2.24-acre lot at 1801 Elliot Ave., in the far southwest section of the city, proposed by developer Kevin Horvath of Keystone Consulting Engineers Inc. The units would front on Mt. Airy Avenue and Elliott Avenue, with a railyard abutting to the south. Approval was given pending a traffic study between 13th and Elliott avenues, to determine if stop signs or speed controls are necessary, with the cost to be paid by the developer.

Neighbors argued that the development would change the quality of life in the area, and cited increased traffic, noise and diesel fumes from the railyard, and crime and safety issues in the neighborhood. They also questioned whether there would be adequate access for emergency vehicles.

Martha Christine, a Mt. Airy avenue resident, said “some kind of noise barrier should be placed there.”  Horvath said plantings would be more cost effective to reduce noise and suggested that a development homeowners’ association could help with external issues.

Commission chairman James Fiorentino said noise problems from the railyard are not created by the developer, and as such, the commission could not deny the plan on that basis. He suggested residents contact the railyard for solution.

Horvath said after the meeting that the property, owned by Elliott Avenue LLC, will be for sale after all approvals are obtained.

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