I am appalled at the actions of Bethlehem’s administration and city council. At Wednesday’s meeting, the council ignored the passionate pleas of residents, business owners, and community revitalization experts — and they even ignored the advice of their own solicitor.
- Bethlehem City Council backs 9-story South Side building over strong objections, by Lynn Olanoff of the Express-Times
- Council supports 9-story building in south Bethlehem, by Nicole Radzievich of the Morning Call
About 30 people who live and work in south Bethlehem spoke against the project, as did the board of the South Bethlehem Historical Society. Many pointed out that it clearly did not meet the requirement that building heights and mass correspond to adjacent buildings. Others pointed out that all the work the city has done to support good development of its history is being ignored in the rush to approve this project. The mayor and other members of the administration said they support the project, although it may well hurt the small local businesses. for which the SouthSide is known.
According to Bethlehem’s own ordinance and the state law governing historic districts, the the council was to vote on the appropriateness of the project under the historic district guidelines. Before the vote, one council member of the council asked the solicitor, and he stated that the agenda item dealt only with historic appropriateness. Several council members then proceeded to ignore the legal advice and said they supported the project because of its potential economic impact.
It’s appalling to see elected officials acting so irresponsibly!
Peter Crownfield
Don’t miss the ‘Town Hall lecture’ on Tuesday, November 11 at 7 PM–
get informed & get involved in efforts to save this important part of the community!