West Park Civic Ass'n v. Zoning Hearing Board

FORD, J.,

These consolidated zoning appeals raise interesting issues about the continued use of an architectural treasure in the City of Allentown, Grace United Evangelical Church, a neo-Gothic edifice located at 15th and Turner Streets.

Bayham Antiques Ltd. tendered a proposed written agreement of sale to Grace United Evangelical Church, the present owner of the building and lot, to buy the property for $300,000. The proposed agreement was accompanied by a down payment of $30,000. Bayham wants to use the church as a fine art antique business. The property is located in a medium high density…