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Planning Commission approves subdivision waiver for Chew Street property to enable a second affordable unit
Summary
The commission granted a waiver allowing a long, narrow Chew Street lot to be subdivided so the owner can build a second affordable unit accessed from a 20-foot alley; one commissioner recorded opposition citing precedent and street access concerns.
The Allentown Planning Commission voted to grant a waiver allowing a property at Chew Street to be subdivided into two parcels so the owner can build a second affordable housing unit facing Oak Street and share parking access from a 20-foot alley.
Applicant Sean Roth told the commission he bought the property five years earlier and intends to keep both units affordable. He argued the “hardship comes from the historical property which includes original alley based access that predates modern zoning and subdivision requirements,” and said widening alleyways would be “physically impossible and would be beyond burdensome.” Engineer Mina Amin was present for technical questions.
Staff recommended the commission request supporting information demonstrating a unique physical hardship before granting a waiver; commissioners examined historical maps and city GIS data and debated precedent and character impacts. Several members said the lot’s unusual 230-foot depth and neighboring rear-access examples justified discretion; others warned that allowing similar subdivisions on multiple adjacent lots could alter Oak Street’s pattern.
Chair moved to grant the waiver; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with one recorded opposing vote. Commissioners noted that zoning relief and administrative approvals would still be required for any subsequent development and suggested conditions to ensure compliance with city comments.
The waiver permits subdivision of the parcel but does not itself authorize building construction; future land-development or zoning approvals will govern design, setbacks, and parking arrangements.
