[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6093642,"mediaKeyId","2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d","parentId",2845989,"title","Developer seeks CS zoning for Eighth Avenue site; planning commission and LVPC recommend conditions","audioSeconds",745,"startMs",35000,"endMs",780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d&start=35&end=780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d/thumbnail_35000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6093642/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Developer-seeks-CS-zoning-for-Eighth-Avenue-site-planning-commission-and-LVPC-recommend-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093642-89843800fbff770cd1f82ead22e37770/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199243&Signature=D6DRMFvBdcMOjvjW3ALsF7ZL1APlBpLHy2S5GZkQqshEwTLo6FZPk~kg-I-bxXubxMqx1mF4xUcvnkf-VBhTn4VfnNq6FBCUEnn5NoDNp1qgG9pUvHcv0aqbT1dezI-OOXqep2CM-hgCTAvCRceop4gZufDdSpHF6tWuT78wOYP5sFFy7yJHewXNo0OIEhmjQO3XxzU8a0UUQevb9j6BWUketUwhmQtmnUPWXZS5tR0hAh9-ECdqJr3AWvaH-KmuTjN2wztvPMN2c8pp8upzBlvjmcRHGX5pDLs7TsCaRKuoSAyRuRA5-UWpL2s7j6XhBYet3SKX9HxdJ86w4CjARg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bethlehem, PA","date","2025-04-02T12:54:12.583Z","article","Attorney Dennis Benner, representing a private owner group, asked Bethlehem City Council at an informational public hearing to amend the city zoning map and rezone two parcels at Eighth Avenue and Martin Court from the Mixed Use Commercial District (CMU) to the Shopping Center District (CS).

Benner told the council the rezoning would allow more automobile-oriented uses than the existing CMU zone, specifically naming an “upscale car wash” operator and restaurants that commonly require drive-through service. “CMU does not permit a drive through. CS does,” Benner said during his presentation. He said he had spoken with prospective operators, including a car-wash company called Cloud 10, and that no land plan was being proposed with the rezoning request.

Assistant Planning and Zoning Director Craig Pfeiffer said the CMU district was established in 2006 for lighter, neighborhood-scale commercial uses and that CS across the street permits more vehicle-intensive uses. Pfeiffer told council staff recommended approval and that the city planning commission had voted 4–0 to recommend approval.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s (LVPC) March 18 letter supported rezoning the site as a logical extension of the CS district but “strongly recommends requiring a subdivision of the primary property and lot line adjustment with the adjacent parcel to avoid split zoning,” the LVPC memo said. Council members pressed the applicant about whether a subdivision or lot-line adjustment had been completed; Benner said converting the property’s condominium-form ownership would disrupt the existing condominium regime and that he had provided a plot plan and metes-and-bounds description so review bodies would understand the proposal.

Council members asked about traffic, pedestrian access, and how the proposed change would affect the neighborhood’s walkability. Pfeiffer and Benner said any specific development would require subsequent review, including planning commission review and traffic studies at the land development phase. Benner said drive-through service is often required by restaurants considering new locations and that he sought flexibility. He also said Cloud 10’s proposed car wash would use water reuse and reduced-chemical processes.

The hearing was purely informational; council did not vote. Council President said an ordinance would be placed on the council agenda for first reading on April 15, 2025. Members of the public in attendance offered mainly neutral-to-supportive comments about parking and traffic so long as impacts are mitigated.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04012025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Attorney Dennis Benner asked Bethlehem City Council at an informational public hearing to rezone two parcels at Eighth Avenue and Martin Court from CMU to CS to allow vehicle-oriented uses including a possible car wash or restaurants with drive-throughs.","taxTitle","Bethlehem, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania","taxId",9659,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6093634,"Council actions roundup: Sister City ordinance, surveillance grant and city contracts among items approved",2544,9847000,12391000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d&start=9847&end=12391","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d/thumbnail_9847000.jpg","/articles/6093634/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-actions-roundup-Sister-City-ordinance-surveillance-grant-and-city-contracts-among-items-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093634-25dd6e5383a45efdd3eb227d20070959/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199243&Signature=eV-vIW9li9jWA7z0uNvqq5LLJEsrkzMfEamjCuad0PRIybRlK4Kvysw2V-RAWtdeIe7MRQoNOMZ8YCwE2yVi9nEEtXFngxuowq8R2Wd7b~e-zM8KZw1NZblWudAi6rohit-hFhcBCdEGvFoL4u4KW7xocX2CZFX5w5Qql0gnjTTcOLGy0E4ItmntTZaBu4HAQN0JKB4DDLUfNjNKF9Gc4T7EdIjoG8vhtETdfeKKV4RA6QpMeEE8X0VZBf2GZNXawPwLM4sdIiJD8-69RKFahX82PPf1i4cT8lr-Htyf4UINluPpB927KzR43kPARbgrb3vT81G8MNF2nQkRjd8GWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bethlehem City Council approved a slate of ordinances, resolutions and administrative items at its meeting, including a final ordinance replacing the Sister City Commission ordinance and multiple contract and grant authorizations. Key actions and vote tallies tracked in the meeting record include:

- Sister City Commission ordinance (Bill 19-25) — Final passage. The council approved a replacement ordinance updating the Sister City Commission by a roll-call vote of 7–0. (Sponsors: Ms. Leon and Ms. Cramsey Smith.)

- Zoning map amendment (Bill 20-25) — Passed 5–2. (See separate article for full debate; sponsors: Mr. Colon and Ms. Goyotek.)

- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ($33,577) — Approved 7–0. The council authorized the mayor and controller to execute grant-award documents for the city’s 2024 Byrne JAG grant; the chief’s presentation at previous meetings described the funds as supporting an expansion and update of the city’s intersection camera network. (Sponsors: Mr. Colon and Ms. Kwiatak.)

- Fireworks contract for July 4 display — Approved 6–1. The council authorized a contract with Garden State Fireworks for $40,000 to provide the Fourth of July fireworks display (rain date July 5); the vote was 6–1 with Miss Kwiatak recorded as Nay. (Sponsor: Department of Public Works, Michael Alco.)

- Friendship Park improvements (Grace Industries, Inc.) — Approved 7–0. The council authorized execution of a contract with Grace Industries of Bath for improvements at Friendship Park, including a new basketball court, splash pad, ADA walkways, event plaza, upgraded playground and shaded pavilion. Contract amount $965,952.73; work to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025. (Sponsor: Public Works.)

- Use permit for 2025 Live on the Greenway (BEDCO) — Approved 7–0. City authorized a use-permit agreement for Live on the Greenway events; sub-permittees include Social Still LLC, Country Club Brewing LLC, 5 Maidens LLC and Surratt LLC (Adagio). (Sponsor: Solicitor’s office/BEDCO.)

- Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) — Group approval 7–0. The council granted COAs for facade renovations and related work at 232 West Third Street, 230 West Third Street and a proposed hotel structure at 14–36 West Third Street.

Roll-call details and the meeting minutes record who voted for each item. Several council members and members of the public used the meeting to raise policy questions about surveillance funding, encampment notices and the city’s outreach protocols; city staff answered questions and said grants and contracts would be used as described in the respective grant award or contract documents.","Bethlehem City Council approved a series of ordinances, contracts and grant documents including a Sister City ordinance replacement, a Byrne JAG grant for intersection cameras and a nearly $966,000 contract for Friendship Park improvements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6093637,"Council approves rezoning of two West Garrison parcels after neighborhood outreach; vote 5–2",1670,10023000,11693000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d&start=10023&end=11693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d/thumbnail_10023000.jpg","/articles/6093637/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-rezoning-of-two-West-Garrison-parcels-after-neighborhood-outreach-vote-52","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093637-4ce91a3233402a0d1f7e61d15767a3f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199243&Signature=hTJaVFE7W9liij2Vwi4ty3beUiahrpwol30-ZbXjDkHTHp81C6P6YS0qacS1G-cSTCVEQLrL8swUtGAHrK3GV3C0dekYbGnJGLphNjC3BmTj3vX2Qgb3qI3Iz-gL5pG-0MRoRXOTBTmsEaEHtQqHWKvUyA1C9le4WToi8wY0~XIPUfgJMIQnZnnTEdjBoVfo8~s3BCF1URcn7DH8uNjvXYic64h0fiAKIF20wvQUFgsxNbyq0HqhWpmtK7Ep9a1EdYapavrxNfdQoasTpOztcusoyEThLfB8aTo0uQSn1d2eXFNMY0Y~d1flYd5kqBCtsxFkyXSXhv1Y8upJbeKfIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bethlehem City Council approved a zoning map amendment that rezones two parcels on the unit block of West Garrison Street from Residential (RT) to Central Business (CB), a 5–2 roll-call decision the council recorded during its regular meeting.

Council President called for debate before the vote; members described substantial outreach undertaken after council postponed a prior vote. Councilwoman Laird and Vice President Leon summarized a community meeting arranged by neighbors and the developer to discuss the proposal and said they had distributed flyers and met residents on foot.

Proponents of the rezoning argued the change would allow a developer to build lower (five-story instead of six-story) housing and permit more on-site parking, which council supporters said would reduce on-street parking pressure in nearby streets. Councilman Callahan said permitting the change would allow a building at five stories rather than a sixth floor and would increase on-site parking, lessening spillover parking in the neighborhood.

Opponents said the proposal would remove two existing buildings that currently provide lower-cost rental housing and would change the character of the block. Council members who opposed the rezoning said demolition of habitable older homes is a worse environmental and affordability outcome than preserving them and that the council should be cautious about the precedent of spot rezoning.

The council’s solicitor addressed the spot-zoning concern during debate, saying a court challenge would likely fail because the two parcels border existing CB zoning and the proposed change would create a contiguous zoning district rather than an “island” of different zoning.

Roll call on the ordinance (Bill 20-25): Miss Kwiatak — Nay; Miss Laird — Aye; Miss Leon — Aye; Miss Wilhelm — Aye; Mr. Callahan — Aye; Miss Kramsey Smith — Nay; Mr. Colon — Aye. The ordinance passed 5–2. Council members said additional public review and technical scrutiny will follow at the land-development stage, where traffic, access and design will be reviewed.","Bethlehem City Council voted 5–2 to amend the zoning map for two properties on the unit block of West Garrison Street from RT (residential) to CB (central business) after developers and neighbors met for outreach; opponents warned about loss of naturally affordable rentals, traffic and precedent.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6093645,"Residents, advocates press Bethlehem leaders over notices and services at riverside encampments",5271,1917000,7188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d&start=1917&end=7188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2845989-584174f89b9871d61e84d280df4cfb1d/thumbnail_1917000.jpg","/articles/6093645/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Residents-advocates-press-Bethlehem-leaders-over-notices-and-services-at-riverside-encampments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6093645-4734450223297f160e39fbd7e1515b18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199243&Signature=AMYUR1vwKRXM2okBvE3izSs6VxXart2Rh4USgjS13xJTzZZM-Uxe4X96HI~vGUOSa-f~EqXEU5fP5TIFRPzUwpxjXIF-MRADah1YVVqXIOB0QYEv~l6DmHxK-ijsATWHqY~mkMYFBYttV9hNj1BuNE63dJerRuTxLL8tFnpNXl9WFJtyz1yNEl7C94vJpS2ZaDBPvK~Erl4lt~cohr5Po9H3yAqbrgEemGn05GcPJMZFBWoMFV3e6kduEjHDaIcsQVxpqB-rTZTeGC7KUZHVxinvnYa8-8UnnsgVlwBwNaKOhCAXFeIz5qpsHKAc2jXX0z33M~nwdgo-1-bWiInk6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents and homeless-justice advocates used public comment at a Bethlehem City Council meeting to press officials about recent notices placed on tents at encampments near the Greenway and Mincey Trail and to demand clearer communication and more services.

Speakers described seeing bright orange notices saying tents must be removed by April 3 and a separate vehicle tag placed on a tent; that combination, several speakers said, created fear among people living there and prompted questions about whether a sweep was imminent. “Please remove your tent, belongings and trash from Bethlehem city property ... tents are not permitted on city property,” a poster quoted during the meeting read, citing Bethlehem city ordinance 9-41-02(a)(4). Several attendees said the notice language and short timeline were alarming to encampment residents.

The concern drew repeated calls for the city to reopen public restrooms and to coordinate cleanup help. Valerie Noonan, a neighborhood advocate, told council members the notices had been posted at least 48 hours earlier and said at least one tent carried language and a handwritten warning that residents interpreted as an instruction to leave. Regina Padilla, a South Bethlehem native, urged the council to consider the disruption displacement would cause and to prioritize long-term solutions such as affordable housing and mental-health supports.

City officials described existing outreach and avenues for help. Bene Berger, director of nursing in the city’s Community Connections program at the Bethlehem Health Bureau, said community-connections nurses and social workers work with police and partner nonprofits and conduct weekly outreach to people in the encampments. “We are out there every week with our community partners,” Berger said. “We can offer to connect. We can even have the services available. We can go back repeatedly ... to encourage some of our folks to take advantage of some of the things we can connect them with. We can't force people to take services.”

Berger and other staff said the city does try to balance sanitation concerns with voluntary engagement. Council members and members of the public asked for clearer advance notice when officials post removal or abandoned-property warnings, and for a designated liaison or communications channel so residents and volunteers know whether notices indicate an imminent sweep or an administrative cleanup of abandoned, hazardous material.

Several speakers offered to organize volunteer cleanups — including a proposed Earth Day effort — and to cover cleaning costs to reopen some public restrooms if the city would unlock facilities and provide basic maintenance. City staff said some parks and standalone restrooms (including Sand Island and the North Street parking garage restrooms) are seasonal or maintained through other agencies and that winterization schedules or maintenance needs can affect availability.

Council members and the administration urged residents to contact Community Connections or the Bethlehem Police Department when they see safety or health concerns, and to reach out to council members if communication breaks down. Several council members said they had already been contacted about the notices and had checked with administration and police prior to the meeting. Council President asked administration to follow up with more precise explanations of the notices and to consider clearer language and longer notice periods when possible.

The meeting included no formal council action on encampments that night. Council members said they will continue to press for improved communications, more coordinated outreach, and longer-term shelter and housing solutions being developed in partnership with Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and other providers.","Dozens of residents and advocates urged Bethlehem officials on public outreach, sanitation and shelter supports after tents along the Greenway and Mincey Trail were posted with removal notices; city health and police officials said outreach happens weekly and urged the public to use proper channels for questions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developer seeks CS zoning for Eighth Avenue site; planning commission and LVPC recommend conditions

Council actions roundup: Sister City ordinance, surveillance grant and city contracts among items approved

Council approves rezoning of two West Garrison parcels after neighborhood outreach; vote 5–2

Residents, advocates press Bethlehem leaders over notices and services at riverside encampments