Calvary Temple of Allentown, in collaboration with Ingerman Construction Management, LLC., is seeking zoning relief to move forward with a proposed housing development on its property located at 3436 Winchester Road.

The property spans approximately 16.47 acres within South Whitehall Township’s R-10 High Density Residential zoning district.

The proposal involves adjusting lot lines on the two existing parcels that make up the property and constructing two apartment buildings on Lot 2.

The development, named the Willows at Calvary Temple, would include 48 total units split between two buildings—Building A (approximately 10,868 square feet) and Building B (approximately 13,034 square feet)—along with 11 two-car garages and a 5,000 square foot fenced playground.

In addition to the new residential buildings, the project includes a shared driveway, 68 parking spaces along the new lot line and the dedication of 2.81 acres of open space to South Whitehall Township.

Lot 1, which currently houses a 43,000 square feet church facility with a gymnasium and classrooms, and Lot 2 together currently hold 417 parking spaces.

To proceed, the applicants have filed zoning appeals that will be reviewed by the South Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board at a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. June 5 at the municipal building, 4444 Walbert Avenue.

Key zoning requests include:

•Special exception to allow a zero feet side and rear yard buffer between the two lots.

•Variances for landscaping buffer requirements, driveway separations, shared parking setbacks and building façade lengths.

•Several interpretations arguing that certain zoning requirements should not apply to the proposed project based on the design and lot frontage.

The site is located in a district where both apartment buildings and places of worship are permitted by right.

However, the proposed configuration has prompted the need for zoning relief.

This project follows a milestone last year when Calvary Temple received Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency funding through federal and state tax credits.

The Willows at Calvary Temple is planned as a 40-unit affordable housing community that will include access to a health care clinic, early childhood education programs, nutrition assistance and emergency financial aid.

Community members interested in the project or wishing to voice support or concern are encouraged to attend the upcoming zoning hearing.