Planning commission grants 12-month extension for Walnut Square Apartments

The Allentown City Planning Commission on an uncontested voice vote approved a 12-month extension for Walnut Square Apartments so the developer can complete state approvals required to close on tax credits.

The request covers a three-level building with 38 units identified in the file as Walnut Street Apartments. Planning staff told commissioners they do not object to the extension but noted a prior commission request for a “warmer color palette.”

Jonathan Strauss of Cortex Residential, the applicant, told the commission the project is otherwise complete from the city’s land‑development perspective: “we do have a final land development plan that’s ready for execution and [the] sewer planning module has been completed. We have an O and M agreement that’s fully executed and ready for recording at this point.” Strauss said the team is waiting on a state agency’s approval to proceed to closing for tax credits and summarized, “project’s ready, shovel ready.”

Planning staff speaker Miss Gomez reiterated the design comment: “warmer color palette, so you may wanna ask about that.” Strauss said the developer had softened an exterior white to an off‑white and retained wood soffit colors; he also described planned warm exterior lighting.

Commissioner Kelly moved to grant the 12‑month extension; Commissioner Jeff seconded the motion. The chair called for the ayes and announced the motion carried.

The extension allows the applicant additional time to secure state tax‑credit approvals and record the required operations and maintenance agreement before the city must act again on land‑development approvals.