Commission tables 7-story AW Living project at 112 N. 8th Street pending zoning and HARB review
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Summary
The planning commission tabled the 7-story mixed-use AW Living proposal at 112 N. 8th Street after hearing staff, architect and public concerns about demolition in the historic overlay, parking, trash logistics and geotechnical risks; applicant asked for conditional approval but was told to pursue zoning/HARB first.
The Allentown Planning Commission voted to table the AW Living proposal for 112 North 8th Street, a seven-story mixed-use development, until the applicant completes zoning hearing-board and Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) steps and secures any required demolition approvals.
Melissa summarized LVPC and staff comments including the need for geotechnical testing (LVPC flagged sinkholes), bicycle parking, lighting and a stepback in upper floors. She recommended waiting for zoning hearing-board/HARB decisions on demolition in the Historic Building/Design Overlay before the commission takes any land-development approvals.
Architect Carlos Tovar presented design details—studio-heavy unit mix, ground-floor retail, murals on blank walls and LED lighting—and said the team sought conditional approval to keep financing on track. The applicant's representative told the commission, "Just to keep the project moving and keep it feasible and be able to move forward with financing, I would ask that the board would do a conditional approval." Commissioners repeatedly advised the applicant to pursue the zoning and HARB process first to avoid prejudging demolition outcomes.
Commission discussion centered on parking arrangements with the Allentown Parking Authority (APA), how reserved spaces will be guaranteed long term (developer-paid vs. tenant-paid), trash collection logistics given narrow alleys and whether adjacent property owners can provide rear access for service vehicles. Zoning staff said applicants commonly show high-level commitments to the APA at this stage and staff will verify binding arrangements before permits are issued.
A resident, Harold Arber of 143 North Fountain, urged the commission to limit sidewalk closures and construction hazards for pedestrians and asked that subsurface conditions be carefully tested due to sinkhole concerns.
Commissioner Greg moved to table the application while the applicant pursues zoning/HARB actions and the parties agree on a time extension; the motion passed by voice vote with one abstention. Staff will work with the applicant on a realistic extension and return the project to an upcoming agenda once zoning approvals and required revisions are in hand.