Zoners Approve SouthSide Student Housing

A landlord for student housing on Fifth Street was granted approval by the Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board last week to construct an additional unit to the end of row homes, exceeding the maximum number of single family attached dwellings.

Joseph D’Ambrosio, who owns other student housing properties, sought variances to develop a “big piece of property at 215 E. Fifth St. that is completely worthless.” The approvals allow expansion to nine attached single family dwellings from the permitted maximum of eight, and permit a 17.2 foot side yard, instead of the required 20 foot yard.

D’Ambrosio said the proposed construction would be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood, garages are located to the rear of the property for parking, and all of his properties are maintained.

Two neighbors testified about parking congestion in an already crowded area and problems resulting from student housing. One resident complained about “noise, corruption and garbage” from the students, saying, adding “another Lehigh house” is to “add more misery” to the neighborhood.

D’Ambrosio said he understands the problems with students, but emphasized he is not an absentee landlord and does not tolerate violations. “I’ll be responsible for my properties. We just don’t allow it. I can’t answer for anyone else.”