Hearing continues on adaptive-reuse plan at 213–215 North Fountain after residents raise safety and scale concerns

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board heard testimony on May 19 about a proposed adaptive-reuse project at 213–215 North Fountain Street that would convert a largely vacant warehouse into multiple residential units. Developers and their architect described structural changes, fire-safety upgrades and an on-site plan for six parking spaces in a ground-floor garage; nearby residents told the board the proposal would intensify use and worsen parking, alley access and privacy impacts.

Architect David Hornung and project representative Eric Hornung described the building as approximately 4,200 square feet on a lot of about 4,400 square feet (roughly 95% lot coverage). The plan presented to the board would convert the building into four apartments on the second floor plus a handicap-accessible unit in the rear on the first floor, with a first-floor parking area sized to accommodate six vehicles. The architect said the team worked with the fire marshal and had…