Zoning Hearing Board - 2026-03-30
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board approved all three special exception applications for group childcare homes on March 30, 2026. Applications at 339 West Lexington Street (Andres Perez Reyes/operator Adeluz Family Daycare), 410 Southwest Street (Mercedes Mercedes), and 1705 Highland Street (Vanessa Maricchio Variera) were all approved with conditions. The Highland Street case faced opposition from six neighbors citing traffic safety, parking concerns, and neighborhood character, but was approved 2-1 with conditions requiring installation of two off-street parking spaces and compliance with all city and state childcare requirements.
Key Decisions (3)
Group Childcare Home at 339 West Lexington Street
Special exception approved for Adeluz Family Daycare operated by tenant at property owned by Andres Perez Reyes to convert from family childcare (6 children max) to group childcare home (7-12 children). Hours remain 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM Monday through Friday. Two childcare workers currently, may increase if needed. First floor used for daycare, operator resides on premises. Vote was unanimous.
Group Childcare Home at 410 Southwest Street
Special exception approved for Mercedes Mercedes to establish a group childcare home at newly purchased property (acquired January/February 2026). Applicant currently operates family daycare at 305 South 18th Street and will relocate both residence and daycare operation to 410 Southwest Street. Hours will be 24 hours, 7 days per week. Three staff total including operator. Property is currently a vacant single-family dwelling.
Group Childcare Home at 1705 Highland Street
Special exception approved for Vanessa Maricchio Variera (operator Naomi Reyes translating) to establish group childcare home at property purchased January 16, 2026. Applicant has operated family daycare at separate Tillman Street location for 14 years. Proposed hours: 24 hours Monday through Saturday. Three staff total, two on-site at any time. Seven to 12 children. Six neighbors objected citing traffic safety, parking concerns, and neighborhood character. Located at northwest corner of 17th and Highland Streets.
Development Activity (3)
Adeluz Family Daycare Expansion
Conversion from family childcare (6 children) to group childcare home (7-12 children). First floor of residential property used for daycare. No exterior modifications planned.
Mercedes Group Childcare Home
Conversion of vacant single-family dwelling to group childcare home with owner residence. 24/7 operation with 3 staff members.
Variera Group Childcare Home
Conversion of single-family dwelling to group childcare home with owner residence. 24-hour operation Monday-Saturday, 7-12 children, 3 staff. Requires installation of two additional parking spaces on side yard (28x20 foot asphalt area). Property purchased January 16, 2026.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Multiple family daycare operators are purchasing properties to expand operations and relocate, indicating demand for childcare facilities in residential areas.
Sentiment
Residential neighborhood residents expressed strong concerns about commercial-type uses in residential areas, with one property owner questioning impact on property values.
Other
Parking scarcity in older Allentown residential neighborhoods is a significant concern, with residents reporting difficulty finding street parking and safety issues at intersections.