Dallas Basha of Lehigh Properties found his proposed five-story, residential over retail project again rejected by the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission at the Dec. 18 meeting in the Rotunda. This latest application was tabled, as it had been at two previous hearings. The height of the new construction for Basha’s vacant lot at 13 W. Morton St. was still an issue for the board and area residents.

Accompanied by consultant Andrew Twiggar, Basha proposed stepping back the top story from the front of the building to make it less visible from the street. Chairman Philip Roeder replied, “You have addressed many of the concerns we had from the previous meetings. However, I have to say, that we are still at a stalemate with the height.”

The board voted to limit the height of any new construction on the lot to three or four stories. To achieve this, they suggested purchasing the detached garage next door to the property to provide horizontal expansion room, reducing the size of the retail space on the first floor to make room for an apartment, and screening the fourth floor with a mansard roof.

Roeder invited Basha to accompany him to the city permit office for a free consultation on his building plans in regards to zoning requirements.

Seth Cornish recused himself from this discussion as he had been an instructor in real estate courses for Basha’s business partner. Christine Ussler sat this one out as well, as she had been involved with the project at an earlier time. George Donovan took over as historic officer again for this one agenda item.

A proposed high rise for 114 W. Fourth St., was also met with resistance from BHCC. Represented by attorney Bradford Lare and architect Robin Reshetar, the proposal included the renovation of the historic Grace Mansion and plans to erect “President’s Place,” a five-story apartment building on the property. The board welcomed the proposed restoration of the home of former Bethlehem Steel Corp. President Eugene Grace that was later occupied by the Anna Mia Restaurant. BHCC had no qualms with the demolition of a modern-style side addition to the circa 1880s mansion. But some balked at the proposed demolition of the two-story rear porch and a one-story detached garage on the lot as both dated back to the early 1900s. All expressed concerns about the height and width of the new structure that would face Martel Street on the corner lot.

Lare and Reshetar, both experienced in projects located in historic districts, described the new high-end apartment building as an economic asset to the neighborhood that would provide funding to maintain the Grace Mansion. Reshetar said, “This apartment building is the steward of this house.”

Bethlehem resident Kim Carrell-Smith returned to oppose both proposed high rises. “We’re tired of coming back again and again with the same things, that we just have to repeat on every building,” said Carrell-Smith. “We’re back to square one with our problem of trying to define things like height,” she said, adding, “We need some ordinances.”

The proposal was tabled, with the applicant to return with revised plans incorporating suggestions made by the board for setback of the new construction and height. BHCC concluded that the new construction as presented was, “Overwhelming for a historic district.”

One applicant scored a certificate of appropriateness that evening, for proposed signage for Domaci, a retail home décor shop, at 21 E. Third St. Derrick Clark, who sits on Bethlehem’s Historical and Architectural Review Board, received approval for a 42-inch by 120-inch storefront sign with the company logo mounted on a composite panel of a graphic print of wood. White die-cut window vinyl graphics of the logo and “Furniture | Décor” and “Objects | Gifts” were also approved by the board for the building owned by John Saraceno.

Before adjourning, Philip Roeder presented retiring historic officer Chris Ussler with a “Proclamation of Appreciation” for her 30 years of service to the board and community. Board member Tony Silvoy, owner of Goosey Gander, provided refreshments for the occasion. Ussler plans to focus more of her time on her work as an architect and teaching at Lehigh.