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Scranton zoning board: denials, dismissals and approvals across multiple property cases
Summary
The City of Scranton Zoning Hearing Board on March 20 acted on several variance and conversion requests: it denied a second‑kitchen/conversion request at 227 N. Van Buren, dismissed a separate application, approved reestablishing duplexes at two properties and denied a basement third‑unit request; vote details listed below.
The City of Scranton Zoning Hearing Board on March 20 reviewed a series of property‑use requests and issued a mix of denials, dismissals and approvals affecting several neighborhood properties.
The board denied a request for a second kitchen at 227 North Van Buren (applicant testimony given by Carla Severino). Members questioned whether installing a second kitchen would amount to converting the R‑10 single‑family dwelling into a two‑family unit. After discussion that the ordinance allows one kitchen per unit and concern that the work would create a duplex, the motion to deny carried on roll call (one member voted yes; four voted no).
The board dismissed the application from Nelson Figueroa to convert 1129 Amherst Street back to multifamily use; the case was removed from the agenda and the zoning officer explained any reapplication must start anew with fee payment.
The board approved an application from Moon Lehi to recognize 2229/2231 Kapows Avenue as a two‑unit property. The applicant said the property has two electric and gas meters, two front and rear doors and two sets of living spaces; the board approved the request unanimously (5–0) and reminded the owner to secure building permits for remaining work.
At 962–964 Ridge Avenue, the board granted CRG Capital’s request to register a building as four units, contingent on the city inspector confirming the fourth unit passed inspection. The board attached that condition and approved the request (vote 5–0).
A request by Alex Itzikiewicz to legalize an above‑ground basement apartment at 611–613 Harrison Avenue was amended from a special exception to a variance during the hearing. Neighbors testified about lack of a safe second egress, pest and garbage citations, and other safety concerns. The board voted to deny the application (5–0).
What happens next
For approvals, applicants were reminded to secure required permits and certificates of occupancy and to complete any building‑code corrections identified by inspections. Dismissed applicants may reapply but must submit a new application and fee; the zoning officer said prior filings do not automatically carry forward.
Votes at a glance
- 227 N. Van Buren (Severino) — variance denied (1 yes, 4 no) - 1129 Amherst St (Figueroa) — dismissed (motion to dismiss approved) - 2229/2231 Kapows Ave (Moon) — approved (5–0) - 962–964 Ridge Ave (CRG/Calvi) — approved, contingent on inspection confirmation (5–0) - 611/613 Harrison Ave (Itzikiewicz) — denied (5–0)
The board noted that approvals are subject to subsequent permitting and inspections and that enforcement and code inspections remain the city’s responsibility.
