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Commission requires sidewalks on Business Park Lane, grants postponement on American Parkway and approves 560 Business Park Lane plan
Summary
The commission denied a 10‑year postponement request for sidewalks on Business Park Lane (ordering sidewalks installed as part of the project), granted postponement for American Parkway, and conditionally approved the 9,000 sq ft workshop/warehouse at 560 Business Park Lane after discussion of sidewalks, bike parking and public safety concerns about large‑vehicle parking in the corridor.
The Allentown Planning Commission on May 12 split its decision on a sidewalk postponement request tied to a proposed 1‑story, 9,000‑square‑foot owner‑occupied workshop/warehouse at 560 Business Park Lane. The commission approved a 10‑year postponement along American Parkway but denied the postponement for Business Park Lane, directing that sidewalks be installed on Business Park Lane as part of the development.
Planning staff had recommended against postponement along Business Park Lane, noting that sidewalks would establish the start of a pedestrian path and ensure correct placement of street trees and landscape strips. The applicant's attorney, Julie Buns Prekelson (representing Meadowbrook Realty LLC), and civil engineer Adam Satrillo said the intended use would be owner‑occupied parts storage and light pickup/delivery by work vans rather than large tractor‑trailer operations; they agreed to reserve space for future sidewalks and to provide bike parking consistent with employee counts.
During public comment, nearby property owner Shauna Kosover told the commission that large trucks regularly stage and park on Business Park Lane and Allentown Drive, often blocking sightlines and preventing deliveries and safe access for a neighboring daycare. "You can't drive around; you can't get around," she said, describing repeated daytime and overnight truck parking that she says creates an unsafe condition for employees and visitors. Planning staff said truck‑parking enforcement and potential time‑of‑day restrictions on the corridor are on the city's radar for ordinance updates.
Commissioner 10 moved to approve a 10‑year postponement on American Parkway (motion carried). For Business Park Lane, Commissioner 10 moved to deny the postponement; after a second the commission voted to deny the postponement, reflecting a desire to secure sidewalks now where feasible rather than defer piecemeal installation.
The commission then granted conditional preliminary/final approval for the 560 Business Park Lane land development subject to addressing staff comments, ensuring space is reserved for sidewalks and street trees, and meeting stormwater and conservation district requirements. The applicant agreed to coordinate with public works and planning staff on the exact sidewalk placement (curbside vs. planting strip) to avoid conflicts with utilities and to provide a no‑parking zone near the driveway in coordination with the city.
