The Bethlehem City Zoning Hearing Board held a special meeting Aug. 12. The meeting was hybrid, with the board and parties with cases in the City Hall Rotunda, with most witnesses participating online. The board had six cases on its agenda, but one was not heard because the property had not been posted. Two more cases were combined, lightening the agenda.

The first cases was 810-813 Monacacy St. Owner Plamen Ayvazov, on behalf of Monocacy General Contracting LLC was seeking to convert the buildings into 28 apartments, a mix of efficiency, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. He also sought a parking space variance. Ayvazov was represented by attorney James J. Holzinger. Architect Christine Ussler described the building as “incredible.” She displayed site drawings showing the location of the apartments and parking.

The board asked whether fewer, larger apartments could be put in the building. Ussler explained that due to interior features of the building, this would create significant “dead” spaces. Also, the owner explained he could not make a profit with fewer units, and it would also impact parking.

Attorney Christopher Spadoni, representing the neighboring Old Brewery Tavern, asked for a break. The board granted his request. When the meeting resumed, Spadoni and Holtzinger had come to an agreement to give the apartments three dedicated parking spots, if the owner of the building agreed to pave the area. This gave the project a total of 34 spaces, including some obtained in the city’s Old York Road parking lot. This number still fell short of the required 49 spaces.

The board asked if the owner had considered other possible uses for the building. The response was negative.

The board went into executive session. On its return, the board voted to deny the appeal.

Cases numbers two and three concerned signage at 2785 Commerce Center Boulevard and at 10 Emery St.

The request was for a variance in the height of the signs around the buildings. The signs were otherwise in compliance. Raising them from 30 feet to 50 feet high would improve visibility for trucks visiting the sites. Owner Prologue does not require illuminated signs, as all traffic to the sites is during daytime hours. The board approved the request.

Case Four was 2467 Ringhoffer Road. Owners M&J Outdoor were seeking a use variance to build a pole barn for the storage of landscaping equipment and a driveway to the barn. The property was described as being mainly in the industrial zoning district, with part of the property zoned RR. The owners also planned a storage bin outside the barn for mulch and stone. The board asked if they would line the mulch bin, to keep dye from leaching from the mulch. Snow removal equipment and salt and brine would be store at another of the company’s locations. The board approved the request, subject to business hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., no snow removal equipment or supplies on premises, a lined container for dyed mulch (or use of non-dyed mulch), and lighting limited to on site.

Case Five was 921 Beverly Ave. The owner was seeking a dimensional variance, to reduce the size of the parcel’s rear yard. The land would be reassigned to 1917 West Union Blvd. Both properties are owned by Michael Kurtz. Kurtz put a detached driveway on the Union Boulevard property. He discovered later that he would have to give up his back yard for a driveway. Moving the property line would allow access to the garage from Talbot Street. The change would increase the non-conformity of the Beverly Street property’s rear yard. Kurtz stated he intends to sell the Beverly Street property.

The board decided to table the application until Kurtz could take his case to the planning board. By tabling, Kurtz will not have to pay a fee if his case is returned to the zoning hearing board.