Allentown zoning board approves 18-unit conversion at 943–951 West Chew with parking conditions

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board on March 31 approved variances allowing MPC Allentown LLC to convert a two‑story building at 943–951 West Chew Street into 18 residential units, with conditions that the developer pursue off‑site parking through the Allentown Parking Authority and comply with historic‑district and building‑code reviews.

Board Chair Robert Knauer and members Samantha McLean and Scott Unger voted in favor of relief after hearing testimony from Jason Colfer, a member of MPC Allentown LLC, and attorney Joe Pipparato. Colfer told the board the applicant proposes a mix of mostly one‑bedroom apartments with about six two‑bedroom units and one studio for a total of 18 units, and that the building has roughly 21,600 square feet of floor area on a lot about 100 by 110 feet. He described the First Floor as approximately 10,000 square feet of open space and said the property was constructed around 1900.

The zoning officer had denied MPC’s November 13, 2024 permit application, citing expansion of a nonconforming use and a lack of parking. The zoning officer’s letter calculated that adding 13 dwelling units (from 5 to 18) would require an additional 19 parking spaces. Colfer testified the applicant found limited public parking nearby and reported the Allentown Parking Authority had one space in “E Lot” and five spaces in “C Lot” available when he checked; a third lot was fully booked. He said the applicant had not executed any leases because availability was uncertain.

The board majority accepted the applicant’s evidence of a long history of prior zoning decisions for the property and the applicant’s financial estimates for rehabilitation — Colfer estimated about $2,000,000 to renovate the building — but emphasized parking and design conditions. The board ordered conditions that the applicant: apply to the Allentown Parking Authority and, if spaces become available, lease up to a capped number of spaces within an agreed radius; obtain any necessary Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) approvals for exterior changes in the city’s historic district; and complete all construction in accordance with applicable building and safety codes. The board recorded the motion and voted aloud; the board’s stated outcome was approval of relief with those conditions.

Mark Toro, representing the Allentown Parking Authority, testified as an interested party and said the authority “can verify that the surrounding, street parking is quite limited” and that Authority lots are largely at capacity. The zoning office noted code language that encourages on‑site turning areas and said the applicant might require engineering review to ensure any angled parking or backing maneuvers from the alley would meet city standards.

Board members discussed alternative designs — including demolition/rebuild with structured parking — and heard the applicant say such options would be financially unfeasible (Colfer estimated demolition and new construction would cost “upwards of $3,000,000 or more”). During deliberations the board and applicant agreed to a condition tying proof of efforts to secure off‑site parking to permitting steps, and to notify the zoning office and parking authority when spaces are leased so compliance can be monitored.

The board’s order accepted the property’s nonconforming status and granted the variances needed to allow 18 dwelling units, subject to the conditions described above and standard building‑permit and HARB processes.

The board’s approval does not itself create leases or guarantee that sufficient parking will be available; it requires the applicant to pursue off‑site spaces and to meet design and code conditions before final occupancy approvals.