Allentown Zoning Hearing Board Meeting – February 16, 2026
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Allentown Zoning Hearing Board Meeting – February 16, 2026
The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board convened on February 16, 2026, to hear four cases. The board granted a 60-day continuance for one application, approved a change of non-conforming use for a graphic design office, denied a variance for tractor-trailer cab parking on a residential lot, and approved a special exception to expand a child care operation. All decisions were unanimous.
Case 1: 640 North Second Street – Appeal of Zaheed Mohammed (Change of Non-Conforming Use)
Applicant: Antonio Silva (represented by nephew Stephanie Petit)
Request: Variance to operate a graphic design office in a building that previously housed non-conforming uses (sewing factory, pool room, etc.).
Testimony: The applicant testified that no clients would visit the premises; all work is delivered online. Two employees would be present 3–4 days per week during limited hours. The property has no kitchen and no residential history; it currently has zero dwelling units on file.
Discussion: Board members noted the prior non-conforming use (sewing factory) had not been abandoned despite being vacant for over 12 months; the tenant’s removal of equipment did not indicate abandonment. The proposed use is lower intensity and less detrimental than the former use.
Outcome: Unanimous vote to grant the change of non-conforming use as a variance. (Motion by McLean, second by Unger; all in favor.)
Case 2: 214 North Ave Street – ECB Property Holdings LLC (Special Use Application & Appeal)
Applicant: Matthew Dechler for ECB Property Holdings LLC
Request: 60-day continuance to discuss alternative determinations with the city under the new zoning ordinance.
Outcome: Unanimous vote to grant the continuance, extending the hearing deadline to April 16, 2026. (Motion by Unger, second by McLean; all in favor.)
Case 3: 213 East Tioga Street – Appeal of Axel Coss (Variance for Tractor-Trailer Cab Parking)
Applicant: Axel Coss
Request: Variance to park a tractor-trailer cab (no trailer) on a residential property, a use not permitted in the residential zone.
Testimony: Mr. Coss stated he had parked the cab on his 95-foot driveway for about 10 years without complaints. Neighbor Ricardo Lopez expressed support, stating the truck does not bother him.
Discussion: Board members determined that the hardship was personal (need for work vehicle) and not a unique physical characteristic of the property. The property can be used as zoned for a single-family dwelling. The board lacks legal authority to grant the variance.
Outcome: Unanimous vote to deny the application. (Motion by McLean, second by Unger; all in favor.) Board recommended contacting the Allentown Parking Authority for legal truck parking locations.
Case 4: 807 North La Cross Street – Jinmi Jin Mai Tavarez (Special Exception for Group Child Care Home)
Applicant: Jinmi Jin Mai Tavarez
Request: Special exception to convert a family child care home to a group child care home. The zoning officer identified a parking insufficiency – three spaces required but only two provided.
Testimony: The applicant presented a photograph showing three cars parked on the property. Board members reviewed aerial imagery and informally measured 32 feet of available width, sufficient for three 9×18-foot spaces.
Discussion: The board determined that three parking spaces can be accommodated, thus no insufficiency exists. No negative impacts were identified.
Outcome: Unanimous approval of the special exception, with a finding that parking requirements are met. (Motion by Unger, second by McLean; all in favor.)
Administrative Notes
- The next meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2026. Board member Scott Unger indicated he will not be present on March 9.
- Cases filed after December 2025 will be heard under the new zoning code.
Meeting Transcript
Meeting of the zoning hearing board for February 16th, 2026. The board this evening consists of Samantha McLean to my right, Scott Unger to my left. My name is Robert Canauer. We have four matters on our list this evening. And in a moment, our secretary is going to call that list. She'll ask if the appellant or applicant is present and whether represented by counsel. Uh she'll ask if there are objectors. We ask that they raise their hands so we can get a count. She'll ask if there are interested persons not necessarily objectors, and we ask that they also raise their hands so we can get a count. Tabitha? Case number one, appeal of Zaheed Mohammed at 640 North Second Street. Is the appellant present? I am the appealant's uh nephew. I'm representing him. Um here can leave the country due to the family emergency last minute. So I do have permission to be here from the okay. We'll get back to you. Okay, the appellant is present. Are there any objectors to case number one? No. Are there any interested parties not necessarily objectors to case number one? No. Case number two, special use application and appeal of ECB property holdings LLC at 214 North Ave Street. Is the appellant present? Yes, I have Matthew Dechler for the applicant or appellant. The appellant is present. Are there any objectors to case number two? No. Are there any interested parties not necessarily objectors to case number two? No. Case number three, appeal of Axel Coss at 213 East Tyoga Street. Is the appellant present? No, but the appellant is present. Are there any objectors to case number three? No. Are there any interested parties not necessarily objectors to case number three? No. Case number four, special use application and appeal of Jinmi Jin Mai Tavarez at 807 North La Cross Street. Is the appellant present? The appellant is present. Are there any objectors to case number four? No. Are there any interested parties not necessarily objectors to case number four? No. Okay. Mr. Dashler. Thank you. Uh this might actually be very quick or will be very quick. Um I have uh a 60-day waiver that I provided or filled out and um signed and will provide to the board.
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