Lehighton Borough Council last week unanimously granted conditional approval for a senior day center.

Council reviewed the application on behalf of Lehighton Life LLC, who requested conditional use approval to develop a wooded parcel on which an old dwelling and barn stand to a senior day care center.

Tighe Meckes, from Keystone Engineering, said the senior day care center would be located at the intersection of Mahoning Drive East and Gypsy Hill Road, and that it would abut The Gardens of Gypsy Hill Apartments.

The property is located in the R-2 Zoning District.

Meckes said currently a barn and old dwelling are located on the property.

Plans call for a 9,800-square-foot building for use as a senior day care center.

He said the senior day care center would be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noted there would be on-lot parking, and was proposing public sewer and water.

He said 47 parking spaces would be proposed, and noted the project would disturb over an acre of land.

“I think it will be a good fit for the community,” Meckes said.

Short-term rental

Also last week, borough council approved a conditional use request to Robert and Tara Crow for a short-term rental at 228 N. Seventh St.

The couple sought conditional use approval for short-term rental per a section of development standards in the borough zoning ordinance.

Jennifer Flynn noted that the proposal previously received unanimous support from the borough planning commission for a short-term rental.

The property is located in the R-2 Zoning District.

Flynn said the short-term rental could accommodate six overnight guests spread across two rooms, three guests per room.

“The goal is to provide a practical place for visitors preserving a five-generation family,” Flynn said.

Last month, Tara Crow appeared before borough council at which time she noted the home is a fifth generation in her family.

“Very near and dear to my heart,” Crow said. “When we acquired the home, it was in pretty bad shape.”

Crow described the intent of the short-term rental.

“Our goal is to be a super host,” she said. “Hopefully entice (positive) clientele.”

Township solicitor Jim Nanovic noted that the application date was Sept. 9.

A conditional use hearing was then held as last month’s meeting, at which time Crow said she would like to house a bed-and-breakfast at 228 N. Seventh St.

Crow added they plan on fixing 226 N. Seventh St.

Nanovic noted at that time that the borough’s planning commission previously denied the application because the Crows did not attend.

Councilman Steve Hawk at that time questioned if borough council felt the use was appropriate for Seventh Street.

It was then decided to continue the hearing until this month’s borough council meeting.