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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, October 19, 2012

Groundhog Day For Abe Atiyeh

Instead of Bill Murray, who played a weatherman living the same day over and over again, it is now developer Abe Atiyeh's turn. In September, zoners and lawyers from all sides agreed to postpone his application for a 47-bed substance abuse facility at 2349 Linden Street, the site of the vacant Moose & Bug Florist Shop. Differences between the application, and how it was actually advertised, presented the possibility that someone could later file a challenge. But on October 18, when the case was presented to Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board again, the same problem still existed.

"It's groundhog day," stated City Council Solicitor Chris Spadoni.

Just two nights earlier, zoners went through 4 1/2 hours of testimony on another Atyeh request for a rehab center near Becahi, spurning an offer by Atiyeh Attorney Mark Malkames to knock off early so everyone could see both a Presidential and Congressional debate scheduled that evening.

But this time, something far more important was going on. The Yankees were playing the Tigers in the ALCS.

Atiyeh's application was postponed, at everyone's request, until November 29 at 6 PM.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you to our city officials for protecting us from this menace.

Anonymous said...

So who keeps screwing this advertisement up? The City zoning officer? A Planning Department secretary? Lot of lawyer and engineer fees wasted, although the City does get to delay the discussion further.

Bernie O'Hare said...

4:16, So nice to it must be to slam someone and not take personal responsibility.

Anonymous said...

It must be nice to get paid to report for a local newspapaer on a story you are so obviously biased about.

Bernie O'Hare said...

8:23, The ZO advertises what she thinks is being sought, and these include some dimensional variances. Atiyeh claims he does not really need those variances and is only seeking a special exception. In one instance, which involves the width of a driveway, he is seeking an interpretation. It has been confusing, but no one is really to blame. The purpose of redoing the advertising is to make sure that everyone is put on as much notice as possible.

Bernie O'Hare said...

1:8, Sorry, but when someone calls Atiyeh a "menace", and anonymously, I will take that person to task for being a coward. I have deleted comments that are much worse and that reflect an ethnic bias that disappoints. If this makes me biased, you should be exposed to a little more of it. I detest lynch mobs and their mentality.

Bill said...

Who is this therapist person?

Bernie O'Hare said...

His name is William Henry. He testified Tuesday.

Anonymous said...

Very opinionated for a "reporter".

Bernie O'Hare said...

I think I can objectively say that you are an anonymous coward. I think I can objectively say that lynch mobs should be viewed with some suspicion, even in Bethlehem. And objective or not, I'll be honest and I will take responsibility for what i write while you hide under a rock.