Allentown Zoning Hearing Board Meeting - June 22, 2026

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board convened on June 22, 2026, with members Samantha McLean, Scott Unger, and Chair Robert Canauer. The board considered three agenda items: an appeal by Bax LLC (case 1), a special exception application by Richard Bauer (case 2), and an appeal and special exception application by Maryland Groulon (case 3). Case 1 was introduced with five objectors but no further proceedings were recorded; the board heard testimony and public comment on cases 2 and 3 and rendered decisions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 2 (Bauer): Five objectors raised concerns, including Teresa Kloiber (345 Grandview Blvd.) who questioned the validity of a "clear letter" from Bethlehem, noted typographical errors in plans, and objected to the height of proposed buildings (four to five stories) which she argued would ruin the neighborhood character. Paul Fondl (413 Grandview Blvd.) expressed concerns about increased traffic at the Hanover/Broad intersection and suggested downsizing. Mary Jill McCool (449 Grandview Blvd.) raised issues about access on Grandview, school bus stops, flooding from different storm drain diameters, and lack of notification. The board clarified procedural matters regarding zoning and planning processes.
• Case 3 (Groulon): Ernest Neiding (1222 West Highland St.) objected to the group child care home, citing increased traffic, noise, safety concerns when backing out of driveways, and the impact on the residential neighborhood. He noted that a nearby Airbnb had been problematic. Donna Kasssis (same address) echoed concerns about double parking and insufficient room for the daycare, preferring it be in a commercial area.

Discussion Items

• Case 2: Richard Bauer - Special Use Application for 322-324 N. 7th St. and 315-317 N. Hall St.
  • The applicant proposed adaptive reuse of a warehouse into six apartments with parking on an adjacent lot. The Allentown Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions (street tree, bike rack, lighting). The applicant agreed to those conditions.
  • Board discussion focused on requiring a mechanism (deed restriction or easement) to ensure the parking lot remains linked to the apartment buildings. A motion to approve with conditions including planning commission recommendations and parking linkage was made and seconded; all voted in favor.
• Case 2 (cont.): Bax LLC Appeal at 2300 Hanover Ave. (Case 1)
  • This case was called with five objectors but no further testimony or discussion appears in the transcript. The board did not render a decision on this case during the meeting.
• Case 3: Maryland Groulon - Appeal and Special Exception for Group Child Care Home at 1213-1217 Highland St.
  • The applicant proposed a group daycare (7-12 children) as a permitted use requiring special exception. Parking was a key issue: the applicant planned to use two on-street spaces for drop-off/pick-up, with driveway use for employees.
  • Board members debated safety: using the street was deemed safer than backing out of the narrow driveway.
  • The board inquired about outdoor play area (fenced backyard) and the number of employees (owner plus up to two additional).
  • Conditions discussed: ensuring three off-street parking spaces (static), adding a sidewalk along the property frontage for safer drop-off, and compliance with supplemental use regulations.
  • A motion to approve with these conditions was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Case 2 (Bauer): Approved unanimously. Conditions: (1) Include planning commission recommended conditions (street tree, bike rack, lighting, sewer module); (2) Ensure parking on separate lot remains for occupants of the apartment buildings through a recorded mechanism (deed restriction or easement) satisfactory to the city and applicant.
• Case 3 (Groulon): Approved unanimously. Conditions: (1) Provide at least three off-street parking spaces for static parking (staff/owner); (2) Install a sidewalk the full width of the property on Highland Street; (3) Compliance with all supplemental use regulations for group child care homes, including fenced outdoor play area and maximum two non-resident employees.
• Case 1 (Bax LLC): No decision recorded; the board only acknowledged the case and objectors.

The board will issue written decisions. Next meeting scheduled for July 13, 2026.