Politics & Government
Daycare Denied; SouthSide Subdivision Allowed
Zoning Hearing Board approves variance for hillside subdivision in South Bethlehem; but denies special exception for daycare center in Northeast Bethlehem.
An appeal for dimensional variances to subdivide a lot at 816 Meade St. into two lots received unanimous approval from the Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board, while an appeal for a special exception to establish a daycare in a home at 1730 Easthill Drive was denied.
Meade Street owners Douglas Miller and Craig Miller sought the variances to split their property into two lots -- one for construction of a two-family dwelling on steep slopes and the other lot having an existing single family dwelling.
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Variances were granted from the required one-acre minimum lot area required to a proposed lot area of 5,952.8 feet, and from the maximum impervious coverage of 25 percent allowed to a proposed 56.7 percent for the new construction. A variance also was granted from the minimum lot depth required of 100 feet to a proposed 79.37 feet for both lots.
Concerns about adequate off-street parking and water runoff were voiced at the hearing held last week. A property owner at the corner of Jackson and Meade streets pointed to water runoff issues, saying that each change in the development of the area can “add up” to a volume of water that would affect his property. The Millers’ attorney said the developers can meet all concerns “so the impact will not be severe” on any nearby properties.
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Neighbors objecting to a proposed Family Daycare Center at 1730 Easthill Drive told zoners they want their area, which is zoned residential, “to remain residential.”
Pilar Sanchez had sought a special exception to care for about a half-dozen children from infants to 6 years of age from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays in her bi-level home. Daycare facilities are permitted in a residential area by special exception.
“This sets an open precedent for others to open a business,” said Joseph Mikitka, a Johnston Drive resident. Some voiced concerns that the applicant and property owner could not meet state requirements for such a facility. Sanchez said her property has not yet been inspected by the Department of Welfare. A special exception was denied.
