Resident urges council to release ADU/zoning study as housing concerns grow

A resident with experience in residential and commercial real estate urged the Bethlehem City Council on Jan. 13 to accelerate consideration of zoning changes that could allow accessory dwelling units, in-law suites and redevelopment of previously occupied lots.

Robert Gandy said limited housing supply and regulatory restrictions have constrained opportunities to rebuild homes on lots where structures no longer comply with current zoning. He asked for the status of a study the council had commissioned and said he expected results by the end of December, though he acknowledged he may be mistaken about that deadline.

Laura Collins, director of Community and Economic Development, told the council the contract for the study was approved by council and the city is completing the contracting process with the selected firm and the law bureau. Collins said the study period is expected to last about a year after contract execution and that a steering committee including community members and organizations will meet quarterly and provide input. She said the city posts updates on the municipal "We Build Bethlehem" website.

Why it matters: ADU policy, zoning liberalization and reuse of underbuilt lots were cited by the speaker as potential ways to increase housing supply without large-scale development; the study aims to identify regulatory barriers and possible code changes.

Ending: Collins said there is nothing to report yet while the city finalizes contracting but offered to have staff send meeting updates for the steering committee when they occur.