Michael Perrucci is a co-founder of a prestigious law firm that includes former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio. But he's really made his mark as a developer. He owns Peron Construction and recently received approval for Bethlehem's first CRIZ project, the conversion of a vacant bank building into a distillery. His soft-spoken approach and willingness to walk away from a project when legitimate concerns exist set him apart and disarms opposition.

That style was evident Nov. 19, when Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board unanimously granted dimensional variances for a 30-unit apartment building at 1325 Chelsea Ave. Perrucci was not there. It was his son, Christian, and principal Rob Tebeer, who persuaded zoners and even some of about 20 opponents with serenity instead of swagger.

At the moment, 1325 Chelsea Ave. is a chained-off parking lot, inaccessible to everyone, located behind Roosevelt's 21st along East Elizabeth Avenue. A Perrucci spin-off, PD Property Holdings, has an agreement to purchase that property along with contiguous 57 East Greenwich St., giving it a total of 75,000 square feet.

PD could build 62 units by right at a building on both properties. Instead, it was proposing 30 units (18 two-bedroom and 12 one-bedroom) at the Chelsea site in a building that will be about 4 stories tall. PD would agree not to develop the East Greenwich Street property. The apartment building would be 193 feet long instead of the 180 foot length permitted. Also, unit sizes would be much smaller, just 758 square feet instead of the 1,200 square feet required in a commercial zoning district.

Christian Perrucci, who is a lawyer like his father, presented the case. He relied solely on the testimony of PD Property principal Rob de Beer. For his part, de Beer explained there would be on-site parking for 30 vehicles and room for another 23 on another lot being purchased. He described the project as upscale rental housing that would be aimed at Moravian College staff and recent grads. He assured neighbor Lynne Brolley that a church using that lot would still be able to do so.

James Lawrence asked whether a geological survey would be done, adding that there are rumors that the property was once a dump. De Beer responded that this would be part of their due diligence, and if they found something negative, they would have to decide whether to remediate or walk away.

Alex Chabot expressed concern over noise pollution, saying intoxicated Roosevelt patrons already congregate at the end of his driveway. De Beer said the apartment building would actually buffer the noise.

Katie DeVine questioned the lighting at the rear of the property, which is near her home. "We would have to be soft," answered de Beer, adding that the rear would receive more attention than other buildings because it faces residential properties.

Jeff Marsh, who with his son owns Chelsea Court across the street, suggested that it might be time to consider metered parking in that area so that residents do not park in front of businesses there. De Beer said he was amenable to that proposal. He also told Marsh that it's likely pets will be banned because there are so few green spots in that area. "There's going to be a lot of people running around with sandwich bags," joked Marsh.

Marsh also questioned whether children would be permitted. De Beer said while there is no desire to discriminate, "those units are not conducive to families with children."

Planning Director Darlene Heller was present on behalf of the city. "We support the project," she said, noting "it would be a very attractive neighborhood for people who want to live in the city." She indicated concerns about lighting and traffic would be vetted during the planning process.

"We want to make it another great development for the City of Bethlehem," concluded Perrucci.

After the variances were granted, Chairman Gus Loupos thanked audience members, who had expressed their concerns civilly, and added to Perrucci and de Beer, "I hope you are able to work with the neighbors."