A Palmerton couple may convert a single family dwelling into two one-bedroom dwelling units.
That was the ruling unanimously agreed upon by the borough's zoning hearing board on Thursday, which granted Daryl and Marileese Lichtenwalner a variance for the conversion.
The couple wants to convert their single family dwelling unit at 250 Lehigh Avenue, located in an E-2 (Medium Density Residential) Zoning District, into two one-bedroom dwelling units.
Daryl Lichtenwalner told the board the reason for his request was financial. He said he has an older uncle who lost his job, lost his house, and now lives with Lichtenwalner's mother.
Lichtenwalner said he would like to rent it out, and would offer it to his uncle at a heavily discounted rate so that he could afford it.
"It wouldn't change the appearance of the house," Lichtenwalner said. "I have plenty of off-street parking, and plenty of living space."
Several neighboring property owners spoke in favor of Lichtenwalner's request.
Resident Manny Guedes said "I don't have an objection."
Neither does resident Bonnie Beers, who told the board "I have no objection either. I think it would be great."
Jason Beers also voiced his support for Lichtenwalner.
"I have no objections to it," Jason Beers said.