Allentown Zoning Hearing Board Meeting: May 11, 2026
Allentown Zoning Hearing Board Meeting: May 11, 2026
The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board convened on May 11, 2026, at 12:15 PM to hear three matters: a dimensional variance appeal for a proposed apartment building, a special exception application for a residential conversion, and a special use application for a hair salon. The board granted relief for the first two cases and continued the third pending further investigation.
Consent Calendar
- No consent calendar items were noted.
Public Comments & Testimony
- For case number one (405 Walnut Street), one interested party was present but did not speak. For case number two (436 North Second Street), the city objected, and the city zoning supervisor provided testimony about observed non-conforming uses. No public comments were offered for case number three (1453 Linden Street).
Discussion Items
- Case 1: Northport Properties, LLC (405 Walnut Street) – The applicant sought two dimensional variances for a 44-unit apartment building with 30 parking spaces: a 17.2% disturbance on slopes of 35% or greater and zero clearance at the intersection of South Fourth and Walnut Street. The board granted a favorable interpretation that the steep slopes (created when South Fourth Street was built in 1957) are not regulated under the old ordinance, based on a prior board determination that the steep slope provisions were defective. For the clear sight triangle variance, the applicant explained that a support pillar (size unknown) was needed inside the triangle due to elevator and stairwell requirements. The board approved the variance, noting the intersection is signalized, West Walnut is one-way, and the project includes pedestrian safety upgrades.
- Case 3: Ram Das Agra (1453 Linden Street) – The applicant requested a special exception to convert a vacant first-floor commercial space (922 square feet) into a dwelling unit, creating a two-unit residential building. The property has been vacant for six years, and the owner testified he could not lease it commercially due to the residential character of the neighborhood. The zoning supervisor noted the last commercial use was a medical office in 2006. The board approved the special exception, finding the conversion met all ordinance requirements (parking, floor area) and would not negatively impact the neighborhood.
- Case 2: Judith McKitz (436 North Second Street) – The applicant sought a special use to convert a former auto repair garage into a hair salon (356 square feet). The zoning supervisor reported that a site visit on April 29, 2026, showed evidence of active auto repair and possible dwelling units, conflicting with the application's representation of a vacant garage. The owner and tenant testified that the property is used for graphic design and truck storage. The board found the information insufficient and moved to continue the hearing at the applicant's expense to allow a site inspection and clarify the property's uses. The motion passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Case 1 (405 Walnut Street): The board approved the dimensional variance for the clear sight triangle (unanimous) and granted a favorable interpretation that the steep slopes are not regulated (unanimous). Exhibits A1–A7 were admitted.
- Case 3 (1453 Linden Street): The board approved the special exception use for the residential conversion (motion made, seconded, passed). Exhibit A1 (drawing) was admitted. The written decision will be issued within 45 days.
- Case 2 (436 North Second Street): The board voted unanimously to continue the hearing to allow the zoning office to inspect the property and obtain accurate information about existing and proposed uses. The applicant was advised to coordinate with the zoning supervisor.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we call to order the meeting of the zoning hearing board for the city of Allentown for May 11th, 2026. The board this evening consists of Samantha McLean to my right, Scott Unger to my left. My name is Robert Kenauer. We have three matters on the agenda this evening, and in a moment our secretary will call the list. We ask that the appellant indicate his or her presence and whether or not represented by counsel. She'll ask if there are any objectors. We ask if the objectors are here. Raise your hand so we can get a count. She'll ask if there are any interested persons not necessarily objectors. We ask that they also raise their hands so we can get a count. Tabitha. Case number one, appeal of Northport properties, LLC at 405 Walnut Street. Is the appellant present? The appellant is present. And represented by counsel Stephanie A. Cowell, Fitzpatrick Wentz and Bob. 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? One. Case number two, special use application of Judith McKitz at 436 North Second Street. Is the appellant present? Yes. Yes. The appellant is present. Are there any objectors to case number two? The city objects. One are there any interested parties not necessarily objectors to case number two. No. Case number three, special use application of Ram Das Agra at 1453 Linden Street. Is the appellant present? Yes. 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. Okay, Ms. Cobalt, your matters up first. Thank you. And have more time to get to bring my witnesses up with me. Do you mind if I approach to give you my exhibits? No, go come right up. We'll have the witnesses when they're testifying sit next to the stenographer. Okay. Thank you. Okay. No, either either or if it's time to go up. Oh, okay.
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