Planning Commission backs special‑exception recommendation for North Hall Street adaptive reuse

The City of Allentown Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special exception to convert a former manufacturing warehouse on North Hall Street into six dwelling units, sending the application on to the zoning hearing board with conditions.

Planning staff, represented by Jennifer Gomez, said the adaptive reuse application would retrofit the Hall Street building into six apartments (two one‑bedroom, two one‑bedroom with an office, and two two‑bedroom units) and rely on an abutting, commonly owned lot at 315–319 North Hall Street restriped to provide 19 parking spaces. Gomez told commissioners staff supports the proposal subject to minor land development submittal requirements and conditions including planting a street tree in an empty tree well, replacing any deteriorated curb and non‑ADA‑compliant sidewalk, compliance with parkland dedication and sewage planning, and providing long‑term bike storage and bike racks.

The applicant’s attorney, Ron Ravitz, said the owner, Richard Bowers, has operated in Allentown for decades and that the owner expects the project to meet low‑income rental requirements. "So we think we're gonna meet the requirements of low rental," Ravitz said. Richard Bowers provided a rent range for existing two‑bedroom units "between $900 and $1,050," and said the owner would work with staff on any minimal plan requirements.

Commissioners asked technical questions about unit types and parking ratios under the new zoning code (staff confirmed the code simplifies parking to about one space per unit), exterior lighting, and first‑floor accessibility requirements. Staff clarified that a first‑floor accessible unit and accessible path from a designated accessible parking space will be required as part of building‑code compliance.

Commissioner Greg moved to recommend approval to the zoning hearing board subject to the conditions outlined in the staff report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission’s recommendation is advisory—the final decision on the special exception will be made by the zoning hearing board.