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Council approves zoning map change on Eighth Avenue after split vote; walkability concerns persist
Summary
City council approved an amendment to the zoning map for a parcel near Eighth Avenue, moving it to a commercial shopping (CS) designation after debate about walkability and neighborhood impacts. The vote passed with members divided and one recusal.
The Bethlehem City Council voted to amend the city zoning map for a parcel near Eighth Avenue, approving a rezoning change that council supporters said will encourage development along the Eighth Avenue corridor. The measure passed 4‑2 with one council member recusing themselves.
Why it matters: Council members who opposed the change said it risked prioritizing car‑oriented uses over the neighborhood’s walkability and long‑term vision for the area. Supporters said the change reflects market realities and complements adjacent commercial zoning.
What council heard Councilwoman Laird said she would vote against the rezoning, arguing the area was intended to support a walkable commercial corridor and that a car‑oriented use could disrupt pedestrian access for neighborhood residents who regularly walk to nearby shops. “The purpose of that zoning was to provide a walkable resource for the fairly dense neighborhood behind it,” she said.
Councilwoman Wilhelm and other supporters said the parcel sits adjacent to existing CS‑zoned property, including PriceRite and CVS, and that the proposed designation is compatible with the corridor and could support businesses and jobs. Planning staff and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission had reviewed the proposal and described it as compatible with surrounding uses.
Vote and recusal During roll call, Councilmember Callahan said he would recuse himself from the vote because of a prior financial connection; the rezoning passed with four members voting aye and two no votes.
Process and next steps Planning staff told council the rezoning does not guarantee a specific tenant or drive‑through use; any future project still must meet zoning and permitting requirements. Planning Director Collins said the administration will continue to work with any prospective developer to address pedestrian safety and design elements, including signalized intersections and other street‑level improvements.
Ending: The council’s approval moves the parcel into the CS district for future development; council members asked staff to continue to prioritize pedestrian design elements as specific proposals come forward.
