Zoning board approves daycare at 1705 Highland Street amid neighbors’ concerns over parking and play space

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board granted a special‑exception application for a group childcare at 1705 Highland Street on March 30, approving the use on the condition that required off‑street parking and play‑space requirements be met or that the facility obtain state licensing demonstrating equivalent indoor play space.

The applicant testified she purchased 1705 Highland on Jan. 16, 2026, and currently operates a family daycare at a different address with 14 years’ experience. She told the board she would move into 1705 Highland and operate Monday–Saturday for 24 hours per day (not Sunday), employ three caretakers and install a fenced play area in the backyard; she also said she would add two additional parking spaces at the side or rear of the house if required.

Neighbors — including residents who live next door and within a block — testified in opposition, citing chronic on‑street parking shortages, an alley that already impedes sight lines, safety concerns for drop‑offs on Highland and 17th streets, and a very small rear yard that may be lost to paving. One speaker presented a petition with more than 30 signatures opposing the use. Residents said the neighborhood is primarily residential and expressed concern about changes to neighborhood character and property values.

Board members reviewed city code that requires indoor or outdoor play space suitable for large‑muscle activity and noted that the Health Bureau and state licensing inspections would assess play‑space adequacy. Several board members said that the burden is on objectors to prove that the use would cause the kind of negative impacts that require denial, and staff recommended conditioning approval on meeting off‑street parking requirements and ensuring adequate play space. A motion to approve with those conditions carried; the board recorded at least one vote in opposition. The board will issue a written decision with the conditions and enforcement expectations.

The applicant was told to contact the zoning office for the written decision and to coordinate any necessary permits before implementing changes to the property.