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Planning commission backs Cedar Crest College rezoning for Harmon Center
Summary
The Downtown City Planning Commission voted to recommend changing 2851–2865 College Drive from RL (low-density residential) to IG (institutional/governmental) so Cedar Crest College can convert a house into the Harmon Center for Leadership and Technology, with staff conditions on consolidation and a walkway.
The Downtown City Planning Commission on May 13 voted to forward a rezoning recommendation to city council for the property at 2851–2865 College Drive, asking that the parcel be rezoned from RL (low-density residential) to IG (institutional and governmental) to allow Cedar Crest College to convert an existing single-family house into the Harmon Center for Leadership and Technology.
City planning staff described the site as a 3,090-square-foot single-family house on about 16,585 square feet abutting Cedar Crest College and said the IG district would allow institutional uses by right. Staff recommended the college consolidate the parcel with the main campus, build a pedestrian walkway connecting the house to campus parking and dorms, and confirm typical business hours, which staff said were not provided in the application.
Dr. Elizabeth Mead, president of Cedar Crest College, told the commission the college received a gift to create the Harmon Center to expand offerings in computer science, data science, cybersecurity and applied artificial intelligence and to serve Allentown workforce needs. Mead said bedrooms would be converted to offices, living areas to a seminar room and the basement to a conference room, and that typical class hours would be about 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some evening use through 9:30 p.m.
Applicant counsel Chris McLean said the college accepts staff recommendations about consolidation, the walkway and parking arrangements, and the college expects most students will walk from commuter parking on campus rather than park on the street.
Commission discussion touched on parking availability at the campus, the residential character of the neighborhood and whether consolidation and a walkway would limit traffic impacts. A commissioner who said she walks the neighborhood called the property “drab and overgrown” and said the planned work would be a welcome upgrade.
The commission made a favorable recommendation to city council. The item will next be considered by the Community and Economic Development Committee and then at a public hearing before city council, with public notices to accompany that hearing.
Votes at the planning commission: motion to favorably recommend the rezoning carried; Craig moved, Jeff seconded; the commission recorded the motion as approved.
