Though Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board is known for five and six hour meetings, a light agenda and little controversy made for a quick meeting on Aug. 24. Three homeowners were granted relief in about an hour.

This winter, Otilla and Raymond Rivera will have a carport over an existing asphalt pad at their 1427 Chelsea Ave. home. Rivera, an ER physician's assistant, told zoners that last winter the heavy and frequent snow convinced him he needed to do something. His neighbor, Charles Bickert, agreed. "He works in a hospital and has to get out," Bickert noted. "This is a benefit to everyone."

In the second matter, Ann Miller was granted permission to run her life and health insurance business from her home, something known in zoning parlance as a major home occupation. Zoners also waived a requirement that she provide an additional parking spot on her property. Though Bill Scheier lives more than a mile away from Miller, he objected to relief. In addition to claiming he never saw the posted notice, he warned zoners that her office would be too close to nearby Calypso ES.

Denying any desire to disparage Miller's clientele, he nevertheless complained. "Society has an ongoing problem with people hanging around schools," said Scheier. Miller, who testified that she posted her property, was corroborated by her sole employee. She ignored Scheier's other accusation, and Scheier produced no evidence that her clients are in any way unusual.

The final matter considered was an expansion at 2111 Boyd St.

Owner Francis Mackin's proposed master bedroom will make his home extend two feet closer to the adjoining rear property than is allowed under the zoning ordinance. Macklin explained that his back yard is fenced, and there are 15 18-foot arborvitae trees between his and the rear property.