Developer seeks to convert former dairy into 24 market‑rate apartments; planning commission recommends approval

Staff summarized a land‑development application to redevelop the long‑vacant former Levengood dairy property at Chestnut and Washington into residential apartments, and planning commissioners recommended moving forward with conditions.

Justin (borough staff) told the Committee that the applicant proposes to demolish an existing residential building and renovate two industrial buildings into 24 market‑rate apartments with associated parking, utilities, grading, landscaping and lighting. "The applicant is proposing to redevelop two contiguous parcels that currently contain vacant and deteriorated buildings, including the demolition of the existing residential building and renovation of the two existing industrial buildings into 24 market rate apartments along with associated parking, utilities, grading, landscaping, and lighting," Justin said.

The filing requested 10 waivers from the borough’s subdivision and land‑development ordinance; the planning commission reviewed the requests and recommended approval, subject to the applicant addressing consultant review comments. The applicant’s attorney reported zoning relief and conditional‑use approvals already obtained, and said demolition and building permits had been submitted so work could begin once the plan is recorded.

Staff noted the project has been the subject of enforcement and that recent legal action and judgments contributed to the property coming forward for redevelopment; the borough’s new enforcement approach — including escalating fines in persistent violation cases — was credited with helping nudge the site toward reinvestment.

No final council vote occurred at the committee meeting; staff said council could consider the preliminary/final land‑development plan and waiver requests at the next regular meeting, contingent on the applicant addressing outstanding consultant comments.