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Board approves J Bass Realty plan to convert Nativity school to 51 apartments; parking counts reviewed
Summary
The zoning board approved J Bass Realty’s special exception/variances to convert the former Nativity school and convent at 640 Hemlock Street into 51 apartments, after the applicant clarified the project is 51 units (not 63 as advertised) and described a parking plan that the board said will produce about 50 spaces with modifications.
The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board approved J Bass Realty’s proposal to convert the former Nativity school and adjoining convent at 640 Hemlock Street into 51 residential units, voting in favor after extensive discussion about parking and site access.
John Vasiliga and Desmond Bridal appeared for J Bass Realty and said the project will yield a mix of one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments totaling 51 units; the board noted the advertised notice incorrectly listed 63 units and the applicant confirmed the correct count is 51. The applicant described existing paved parking areas and a plan to reconfigure some areas (including a herringbone layout) to reach about 50 parking spaces across multiple lots the applicant controls or accesses, leaving the project short by one space under the city’s off‑street parking calculation.
Board members pressed the applicant on long‑term access to adjacent lots and the potential impact if other property owners redevelop. The applicant said a reverse subdivision and long‑term arrangements give them access to specific lots and that additional adjustments could add more spaces. The board sought assurances the parking plan would be implemented and signaled the city would inspect parking and ensure code compliance before certificate of occupancy is issued.
Several public speakers praised redevelopment and historic preservation; one resident urged converting the property to an arts center for youth, which the applicant addressed by saying the project will preserve significant architectural features and include tenant amenities. On a motion to approve, the board voted unanimously to approve the application. Members asked the applicant to continue coordination with the zoning office to finalize parking layouts and emphasized that parking and inspection will be enforced as part of project completion.
