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Planning commission grants lot-frontage waiver for 406 North Fair Street
Summary
The commission approved a waiver allowing subdivision of 406 N. Fair St. into three lots so houses can be placed on separate parcels, contingent on zoning hearing board approval and staff conditions including that the lot line align with the duplex party wall.
The City of Allentown Planning Commission on Jan. 13 voted to grant a waiver to allow the subdivision of 406 North Fair Street into three lots, reinstating historical lot lines to support a homeownership program run by the Allentown Housing Authority.
Melissa, a planning staff member, told the commission the property sits in the old Berry Grounds Historic District and that the applicant seeks relief from SALDO section 3-50-26(c)(4), which generally requires new lots to front on a public street wider than 24 feet. "North Fair Street is a 10 foot wide public alley," she said, noting historic Sanborn maps show three separate lot lines and staff’s view that the subdivision would reinstate previously existing lots.
Jason Bupta, a consultant who said his firm represents the Allentown Housing Authority, and John Carson of the Dolores Group said the authority is placing the homes in a homeownership program that will renovate and sell the units. Bupta said they will address sanitary connections and ensure the party wall aligns with the new lot line.
Commissioner Speaker 2 moved to grant the waiver subject to staff comment letters and any required zoning hearing board approvals; Speaker 10 seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.
Conditions and next steps: city staff emphasized that any required variances and sanitary-sewer connections must be resolved and that the zoning hearing board must grant its approvals before final recordation.
Sources: staff presentation and statements by project representatives at the Jan. 13 Planning Commission meeting.
