Commission conditionally approves warehouse at 1401 Green Street; parking and permits addressed

The Allentown City Planning Commission granted conditional approval to a proposed warehouse building at 1401 Green Street, subject to the January 8 department comment letter and satisfaction of outstanding administrative items.

"The project development is a proposed warehouse building located at 1401 Green Street," planning staff Melissa said in the project kickoff. Staff reported the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) review had been received and the project was found to be in alignment with the future LVPC plan. Melissa told the commission that color renderings were provided but that applicant responses remained outstanding for a limited parking-related plan note. Staff recommended approval assuming on-site planning, zoning, traffic and stormwater issues were satisfactorily addressed.

Applicant representative Matthew Langenberger told commissioners that technical comments were essentially resolved and that sewer planning resolution and permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and LCA for water and sewer connection had been obtained. Langenberger and staff said parking for the existing building conforms to the zoning calculation as 15 spaces and there is no need for parking relief. The applicant said existing chain-link fencing will be removed and the site will include enhanced landscaping between the two buildings; no outdoor storage is planned.

Commissioners moved to approve conditional acceptance of the land development, subject to the January 8 department comment letter. The motion carried by voice vote.