Upper Saucon Zoning Hearing Approves Barn Moving

The Upper Saucon Zoning Hearing Board heard three appeals at their May 9 meeting, including a request for a variance that would allow a local resident to rebuild a moved barn on his property.

The appeal was from Fox Chase Restoration, 3029 Church View Road, Coopersburg, concerning the property located at 5849 Locust Valley Road, Coopersburg and owned by Paul Bouis.

• He wants to dismantle a Pennsylvania-style barn in Lower Saucon Township, and rebuild it onto his property, restoring it as historically correct as he can.
• A variance is needed, however because the height of the restored barn will exceed the ordinance requirements by eight (8) feet.
• After the board asked numerous questions, and having Bouis describe his project, they granted the variance, providing nothing be added to the roof making it higher than the eight (8) feet over the requirement.

Two other zoning issues were heard that evening.

Old Saucon Investment, LP  and the Stabler Land Co.  are the owners of the properties located at 2115 Saucon Valley Road and 4373 Route 378, Bethlehem.

Key points of this appeal include:

• They want to develop a 70-acre site to be used for 80 residential units in a gated retirement community.
• Its location, they felt is in good proximity to the Promenade Shops and the Rails to Trails walking area. 
• It would take five to six years to develop the land, with each unit estimated at costing approximately $600,000.
• Variances were needed for rear yard setbacks, front yard setbacks; and one lot needed a slope variance.
•  After lengthy discussion and some raised voices, the appeal was denied in a 2-1 vote; because it was felt they did not meet the economic hardship requirements.

The third appeal  involved IMAX through EZ Signs, Inc. Igor Eykoe, owner of EZ Signs, Inc wants to erect an IMAX sign at The Rave Movie Theater in the Promenade Shops.

• Upper Saucon Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Trent Sear rejected the application because only one sign is permitted per façade and the sign also exceeds the maximum area of signage by 11 square feet.
• Eykoe and his attorney, Erich Schock, said the oddly-shaped building has eight facades; therefore his sign should be able to be put up.  They also stated the sign, at 211 square feet is easier to see from Center Valley Parkway, and no one will notice it is eleven square feet larger.
• After some discussion and looking at several pictures, the board unanimously approved the variances for the sign.