Zoners Approve Home Psychotherapy, Barber Shop

The Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board granted special exceptions for a home occupation for psychotherapeutic counseling, and for the conversion of a former SouthSide grocery store into a barber shop during its meeting last week.

Wendy Littner Thomson, a state licensed professional counselor, was given unanimous approval to establish a grief counseling service in her residence at 408 N. New St. Thomson plans to convert 418 square feet of her 4,238 square foot Historic District home into a waiting room and second floor counseling office with off-street parking for clients.

Thomson, a former grief counselor, who also has an office in the at Broad and Main Street, said the work/live location would provide a more conducive environment to healing, and be more “green” and efficient for non-crisis counseling.

Opposition to the appeal was presented by Samuel Guttman of 402 N. New St., who was represented by attorney Carl Longenbach. Guttman argued that if the board granted approval, then “anybody can say I’d like to move my business into my home.”

Guttman said he seeks to keep the historic district residential. He argued that approval sets a terrible precedent as “other businesses will be trying to buy homes for office use. “

Zoners also granted unanimous approval to Robert Cruz to convert a former mini-market at 1326 1/2 E. Fourth St. into a barber shop. Cruz, 32, who recently became a licensed master barber, said he will be the sole barber with one barber chair in the space he is leasing. Parking for three vehicles is available on the property and much of his clientele will be local, he said. A window sign with vinyl lettering will be used.

In other business, the board unanimously re-elected Gus Loupos chairman for 2012. William Fitzpatrick was named vice chairman, and board newcomer Linda Shay Gardner was named secretary.