Allentown Zoning Hearing Board Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board convened on July 13, 2026, at 12:15 PM UTC. The board members were Samantha McLean, Scott Unger, and Robert Kenauer (chair). Four matters were on the agenda, including two special exception applications and two appeals. The meeting lasted approximately 2.5 hours. Public comments were heard on Case #2 and Case #4. The board approved three applications and continued one.

Consent Calendar

• None. All agenda items were considered individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case #2 (Exchange 32 LLC / Roberto Clemente Charter School): The Allentown School District, represented by Michael Kristoffko, appeared as an interested party. The district raised concerns about traffic flow and the adequacy of on-site bus queuing, noting that only two buses could fit in front of the building at once and that additional buses would have to wait on Sesque Street. The district did not formally object but urged the board to consider traffic impacts.
• Case #3 (Umran Global Investment LLC): No objectors or interested parties appeared.
• Case #4 (Hen Liveth Calderon Calcano / child care center): No objectors or interested parties appeared.

Discussion Items

• Case #2 – Roberto Clemente Charter School (special exception for school use at 2268 South Twelfth Street): The school, currently located at 850 North Fifth Street, proposed relocating its elementary campus to a 2.2-acre property with a 44,000 sq. ft. building (nearly double the current 22,000 sq. ft.). CEO Alyssa Mace testified that the school serves 300 elementary students (K-5) and 35-40 staff, with plans to add sixth grade (total 370 students, 50 staff). Hours of operation would be 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with no evening or weekend events. The school currently has no off-street bus drop-off; the new site would allow 173 parking spaces (vs. 27 required) and separate bus and parent loops designed by engineer Mark Buckwalt. Buckwalt testified that the lot size (2.2 acres) exceeds the 20,000 sq. ft. minimum, and that the plan is a responsible layout. The district questioned bus queuing capacity; Buckwalt acknowledged that only two of the three buses could be on site simultaneously but argued that staff management and the rolling arrival (30-minute window) would prevent conflict. The board noted that the new location would be a vast safety improvement over the current street-side drop-off.
• Case #3 – Umran Global Investment LLC (appeal for variance from site triangle requirement at 90 South Ninth Street): The applicant proposed a 37-story mixed-use building (70% residential, 30% office/retail) with 208 apartment units. Owner Eric Shah testified that the building’s corner column is structurally critical and that removing it (to comply with the site triangle) would render the project infeasible. Land surveyor Michael Houston testified that the intersection (9th & Walnut) is signalized with one-way streets (9th southbound, Walnut eastbound). The city’s Planning Commission had required widening sidewalks, removing on-street parking near the corner, and improving ADA access, which further enhanced sight lines. Houston argued that the old ordinance’s site triangle rule was overly restrictive and that the signal, one-way traffic, and improvements made the intersection safe. Board member Unger noted that similar relief has been granted in the past and that the new zoning code exempts GXC districts from site triangle requirements.
• Case #4 – Hen Liveth Calderon Calcano (special exception for child care center at 725-731 South John Street): The applicant proposed a child care center for up to 69 children (ages 0-5) in the lower level of an existing church (Fuente de Vida/Fountain of Life Church). Hours would be 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. Architect Stewart Gauk testified that no interior structural changes are needed; the space currently used for Sunday school would be used as-is. Parking (36 spaces) is available on an adjacent lot across Chester Street, owned by the church. The required parking is 7 spaces (1 per 12 children + 1 drop-off space). The church pastor, Alejandro Escamilla, confirmed that church activities (Sundays, Tuesday/Thursday 7-8:30 PM) would not conflict with the daycare.

Key Outcomes

• Case #2 – Roberto Clemente Charter School: Motion to approve the special exception (use by special exception) was made by board member McLean and seconded by Unger. The board found no evidence that the use would create a traffic or safety hazard, negatively impact the residential neighborhood, or violate use-specific standards. Approved unanimously.
• Case #3 – Umran Global Investment LLC: Motion to approve the variance from the site triangle requirement was made by Unger and seconded by McLean, citing the signalized intersection, one-way streets, planned safety improvements, and alignment with the new zoning code. Approved unanimously.
• Case #4 – Hen Liveth Calderon Calcano: Motion to approve the special exception for a child care center was made by McLean and seconded by Unger. The board found no adverse impacts and that all supplemental regulations (lot area, parking, loading) were satisfied. Approved unanimously, subject to obtaining necessary health, fire, and building permits (change of use).
• Case #1 – Lucas Selwa appeal (552 North Tim Street): The appellant’s counsel requested a continuance due to the client’s family emergency. The board granted the continuance to the next hearing (date to be determined, not August 10th), with the applicant to sign waivers of time requirements.