The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission found itself one member short of a quorum for the in-person, masked hearing Dec. 20.

With already thinned ranks due to excused absences, the last-minute, emergency call-off from a commissioner left the board with only four voting members and the non-voting historic officer present.

Planning and Zoning Director Darlene Heller apologized and indicated she would attempt to coordinate a special meeting sometime in the first week of January, which the applicants graciously accepted. The HCC usually meets toward the end of the month.

Accompanied by Rod Delgado from Smart Graphics, Ali Kishar expressed concerns about how the delay could affect the opening of his new restaurant at 129 E. Third St. planned for early January.

Their proposed signage features “King Wing” with a cartoon rooster head for across the cornice, as well as a vinyl window sign.

Although the board could not rule on the proposal, Chairman Gary Lader and the other commissioners advised Kishar to contact the zoning department for a permit to display his signage as a temporary banner.

PJ Century, LLC owns the building.

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The commission’s recommendations are later reviewed, and then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.