A former tavern in Palmerton may be converted into a four-unit apartment building.

After a brief executive session, the borough's zoning hearing board on Wednesday unanimously agreed to grant Garrett Kistler variances and special exceptions for the property at 487 Lehigh Ave.Kistler said he plans to turn the former Heimbach's Bar into two one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartment units.Kistler said there would be two one-bedroom apartment units, one of which would be about 670 square feet, and the other, about 750 square feet.There would also be two two-bedroom apartment units, both of which would be about 850 square feet, Kistler said."I think what I'm proposing for the community is a good thing on the whole," Kistler said. "I believe four units would be pretty much perfect."The property is located in a Residential/Light Commercial (R-3) zoning district. Conversion of an existing building into one or more dwelling units requires a special exception use.Kistler then discussed his revised proposal for the parking area, where he said there would be plenty of room for four parking spaces, one of which would be handicapped accessible.He noted there is no access to the alley; the only access would be directly onto Fifth Street.Another section of the zoning ordinance requires dumpster screening; Kistler said there would be curbside service.Kistler said that at present, he does not own the property, but does have an agreement of sale signed.The property has been abandoned for years.