A former tavern in Palmerton could eventually be converted into two apartments.

That's after the borough's Planning Commission met on Tuesday to discuss the proposal brought forth by Tom Ring.Ring wants to convert the former Susies Penn Lunch at 301 Lehigh Ave. into two apartments, and has requested a special exception for the proposed second apartment addition, as well as a variance from the minimum lot size and off-street parking requirements.His plan is to convert the use of the first floor of the structure to a second apartment. The space was previously occupied by the tavern."It would be a better use," Ring said. "We'll get the place nice."Planner Chris Anthony said he believes the conversion of the vacant building into two apartments would be a fine use for the property.So, too, does planner Terry Costenbader, who said, "I'd rather see this building occupied than vacant, to be honest with you."Planner Jim Christman agreed."It can be a great building with rehab," Christman said. "It's going to be a very nice improvement."At that, the planners agreed to recommend approval for the special exception to the borough's zoning hearing board.In his rejection letter, dated Sept. 24, borough zoning officer Duane Dellecker said the property is located in an R-3 (Residential/ Light Commercial) zoning district.Dellecker said in his letter that the use as a tavern was nonconforming to current zoning regulations. However, a section of the borough's zoning ordinance lists a nonconforming use as being abandoned if the use has been abandoned for 365 consecutive days. As such, the use of this property reverts to the character of the zoning district.A section of the borough's zoning ordinance, Dellecker says in his letter, lists the conversion of an existing building into one or more dwelling units, or to use the property for apartments as permitted only by special exception in the R-3 zoning district.Another section of the borough's zoning ordinance requires a minimum average of 4,000 square feet of lot area for each apartment in an R-3 zoning district. The application, as submitted, indicates the existing lot size to be 969 square feet.Yet another section of the borough's zoning ordinance lists specific criteria for an apartment use, said Dellecker, who added that none of these issues appear to apply to this proposed use.Another section of the borough's zoning ordinance addresses off-street parking, and he said the regulations require two off-street parking spaces for the second floor apartment would fall under the grandfather clause in a section of the borough zoning ordinance.The new apartment, however, would require two off-street parking spaces. Dellecker said the application, as submitted, does not show any off-street parking.In essence, he said a special exception would be required for the proposed use of adding a second apartment, while variances would be required from the minimum lot size and off-street parking.The zoning hearing board is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 27, at which time it is expected to make a ruling on the matter.