BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Plans for an apartment complex that would straddle Bethlehem's border with Allentown got a review from Bethlehem Planning Commission — and also from residents, who expressed concerns about its size, buildings and the traffic it would bring.
The planning commission on Thursday reviewed plans for 2300 Hanover Ave., which would have 317 units spread across four buildings, most of them five stories tall, with parking built underneath.
- Developers are proposing a new 317-unit apartment complex at 2300 Hanover Ave. in Bethlehem, along the border with Allentown
- Several community members who live near the site raised concerns about the proposal at a Planning Commission hearing Thursday
- The lot used to be Bennett Toyota; it’s now one big concrete slab
The preliminary sketch prepared for developer BAHX LLC also includes courtyard space, a pool, a clubhouse and a dog park. Most of the complex would sit in Bethlehem, with about a third in Allentown.
The lot previously held the Bennett Toyota dealership, which was demolished years after the company moved to a new location. Now, it’s essentially a large concrete pad.
Several people who live nearby came to the meeting to share their displeasure with the proposal.
In particular, they shared stories of dangerous traffic conditions, which they said they worried would get worse with the apartment there.
“We've brought up Club Avenue and Hanover and West Broad Street — that is a horrible, horrible intersection," said Dawn Jastrzemski, who lives nearby.
“We're living on a highway, and it's a major concern. You add 400, 500 more people in these cars, it's going to be way, way worse.”
“We've brought up Club Avenue and Hanover and West Broad Street — that is a horrible, horrible intersection. We're living on a highway, and it's a major concern. You add 400, 500 more people in these cars, it's going to be way, way worse.”Dawn Jastrzemski, who lives near the proposed apartment development
Other residents shared worries about more noise, intrusive light and competition for parking. Many also criticized the proposed buildings’ height.
“From general consensus walking around our neighborhood, no one is a fan of four- and five-story buildings in that area,” Terry Kloiber said.
“With the height of these buildings that are proposed, I'm going to be living in a fishbowl,” Mary Jo Makoul said. “I will have no privacy in my back yard.”
Looking for feedback
Both the developers and planning board members said they hope that, by reducing the part of the lot covered by concrete, the new development would ease persistent flooding neighbors say they experience.
During sketch reviews like last Thursday’s, the commission assesses plans in general terms rather than its specific implementation and gives feedback to the developers.
Because the development would be in both Bethlehem and Allentown, the project needs approval from both cities.
Developers will appear before Bethlehem’s Zoning Hearing Board on Feb. 22, seeking approval to exceed a cap on maximum building length, along with a requirement for commercial space along Broad Street.
If variances they requested are approved, the final plan will come back before the Planning Commission for approval.
