BETHLEHEM — A short strip of land on Delaware Avenue near Elsmere Elementary School could soon be home to a new apartment complex.
Gregg Biche, founder and president of Delmar-based Quality PM Inc., is planning a 20-unit apartment complex on 229 Delaware Ave.
A single wood shingle house with a large backyard currently sits on the location. The house would be demolished to make way for access to the apartment buildings.
According to Planning Director Rob Leslie, the area is zoned commercial hamlet, which permits family housing. While the developer has appeared before the Industrial Development board, it has not yet applied to the Planning Board for the project.
Biche said that plans would come by the Planning Board’s next meeting in late April.
“It’s one lot that will have two buildings – a four apartment unit and a 16,” said Biche. The smaller building will contain all two bedroom apartments, while the larger building will have eight single bedroom apartments and eight, two bedroom apartments. Each unit will have a washer, dryer and full bathroom.
“We’re really in the beginning stages. [The site] is a little over one acre, and we do own the strip of land (across Delaware Avenue) going out to Ellsworth Place, so we may try to make a connection to the Rail Trail,” said Biche.
His company already owns two apartments in the area, which lie above his office. “We like that area because of its location on [the] bus line, and you don’t need a car. You can walk to anything in town. …. [it’s] close to everything,” including to Albany. “Our office is in very close, proximity, and our other apartments on Delaware Ave. rented right away.”
Biche also built four homes on Central Place next to Bethlehem Central Middle School which won five quality awards in the Capital Region Parade of Homes competition; and three homes on a vacant lot on Cherry Avenue, which are currently under construction.