David J. Heintzelman

Key discussions included the reorganization of officers, electing a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. The commission reviewed plans for 186 Main Street, a proposal involving the demolition of an existing structure to construct five residential units, with revisions planned to address zoning and engineering comments, including stormwater management. An extension of time was granted for plan modifications, and a vote on the project was tabled pending the submission of LVPC and PennDOT approvals. Additionally, the status of Planning Commission vacancies was reviewed, noting that one appointment was made by the Borough Council at a prior meeting.

The meeting commenced with a reorganization process, including the nomination and appointment of a new Chairman, Vice Chair, and Secretary for the year 2026. Following the reorganization, the commission reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting dated December 9, 2025, with minor corrections noted. The primary discussion centered on the land development application from Steel House Homes LLC for a five-unit apartment building at 186 Main Street. The proposer detailed plans to demolish the existing real estate office and construct a new structure while retaining most existing parking. Key discussions included modifications to meet setback requirements, reducing impervious surface coverage to comply with regulations (avoiding a variance), and ensuring ADA accessibility for ground-floor units. Further deliberation covered the placement and screening requirements for a required dumpster, including coordination with the waste management provider regarding truck access and the potential loss of one parking space to accommodate dual dumpsters or totes. The presenters assured the commission that all minor engineering and municipal comments, including those related to PennDOT driveway regulations and site buffering, would be accommodated in the final plan submission without requesting any variances.

The meeting included a review of two variance requests for the subdivision of 1352 Main Street, specifically concerning the front porch setback and parking requirements, with the latter deferred to the Zoning Hearing Board. The Commission provided conditional approval for a site plan to convert a former Rite Aid building into a medical office, outpatient lab, and urgent care center at 110 Main Street, subject to engineering recommendations. The Commission reviewed the sewage planning process for Phase 2 of Steel Club's development concerning sewer system connection, noting no action was required. Old business involved concerns raised about a garbage enclosure placement, handicapped parking, and water runoff related to a property at 330 Linden Avenue, leading to referrals for review by the Borough Engineer and Zoning Officer. The Commission also addressed the ongoing Planning Commission Vacancy and noted a nomination for the Borough of Hellertown for a Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Award.

Key deliberations centered on the property at 1066 3rd Avenue, involving revised plans for a two-unit dwelling. The Commission approved waivers concerning parking lot dimensions, trash tote placement in lieu of a dumpster (contingent upon Public Works approval), and the submission of the erosion and sedimentation control plan to the County Conservation District (stipulated submission to the Borough Engineer instead). A motion was passed to table a waiver request related to increased impervious coverage until a grading plan is provided, and an extension of time until March 31, 2026, was granted for plan modification. For the property at 136 Front Street, an extension was granted until March 31, 2026, for site plan review to address parking concerns for converting a commercial unit to a beauty salon. In old business, the Commission noted it lacked authority to force relocation of a dumpster enclosure at 330 Linden Avenue. Additionally, it was announced that two current members will be stepping down in 2026, creating three vacancies.

The meeting addressed the proposed demolition of an existing home and detached garage at 1066 3rd Avenue, with plans to construct a semi-detached two-unit dwelling. A waiver regarding the erosion and sedimentation control plan requirement was granted, and the vote for the project was tabled until the December meeting. The commission also discussed a vacancy on the board, required plant replacements at 216 Kichline, and received status reports on various projects, including Sheetz, the Champion Site, and improvements at 412.