BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Racecar driver Marco Andretti wants to put in 18 total apartments at his grandparents’ former duplex, a three-story addition to the rear of the home and a neighboring property along West Broad Street.
A local architect on Wednesday spoke on behalf of Andretti and Spinozzi II LLC, as the proposal was before the city Zoning Hearing Board for a number of variances.
Some of those included:
- Waiving the required first-floor commercial use
- Reducing the required eastern lot line 8-foot buffer line to 2 feet 6 inches
- Reducing west side yard setback from 15 feet to a proposed 13 feet
- Committing to 26 regular-sized parking spaces, or accommodating the required 27 by making three of those compact size
Because the meeting passed the 10 p.m. mark, the panel decided to continue the hearing to 6 p.m. Nov. 20.
Smaller than originally proposed
Andretti’s team originally wanted to put up 30 units and a four-story addition before the city Planning Commission asked developers to size down the proposal.
The plan now sports 18 rooms across the three structures: 12 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units at 821-823 Broad St., and two one-bedrrom, one two bedroom and on three bedroom units at 817 Broad.
Units would range from 522 to 908 square feet, according to project drawings.
“The height of the addition is actually lower than the 821-823, in terms of the roof peak,” said Gary Lader, registered architect and owner of 4/4 Architecture.
Lader also serves as chairman of the city’s Historic Conservation Commission, a recommending body overseeing development in South Bethlehem’s historic district.
“The height of the addition is actually lower than the 821-823, in terms of the roof peak."Gary Lader, registered architect and owner of 4/4 Architecture
He said developers intend to preserve the hardwood floors, molding and other decorative, historic features of the now “severely dilapidated” homes.
And taking out the porte-cochère at 817, along with other porch features to make room for required commercial uses, would be “detrimental,” he said.
“So I will be looking out, down the alley, directly at the backside of this building, and I have to say, I’m much relieved by the modifications made by Mr. Lader,” said Marsha Fritz, who lives nearby.
“He is also a historic preservation supporter, and so I applaud his willingness to work with the client to recognize the importance of those two buildings.”
Neighbor Jackie Bold said of the properties, “I’ve been there seven years, and I’ve not seen one thing done. And I’ve heard a lot of bad things from the tenants that used to be there.”
Back in November
Resident Kathleen Russo, who lives on abutting property, said it was her understanding of city ordinance that the development couldn't go up as planned to begin with, because of the addition's orientation.
“So I will be looking out, down the alley, directly at the backside of this building, and I have to say, I’m much relieved by the modifications made by Mr. Lader."Marsha Fritz, Bethlehem resident
Zoning Hearing Board solicitor Steven Boell said the only matter before the board Wednesday pertained to the requested variances, not specifically whether the addition was able to go up under city code or any other ruling.
At a previous meeting, Russo voiced concern about how the development would affect her landscaping.
