Bethlehem To Consider New, "User Friendly," Zoning Ordinance

Are you a good neighbor?

Everyone is concerned about what goes on in his own back yard. Zoning is the way municipalities quantify what neighbors may or may not do. Bethlehem Planning Director Darlene Heller unveiled an ambitious new zoning ordinance in a power point presentation to city planners and the public yesterday afternoon.

Her main goal is to make it easier to be a good neighbor. "It's user friendly," she explained, stating that the new ordinance is easier to follow and understand. In her summary, she stated it provides for more appropriate, yet flexible, development.It maintains existing, healthy neighborhoods. Finally, it makes provisions for environmentally sensitive lands.

Perhaps the biggest change is something Heller calls a "work force housing initiative," designed to encourage more affordable housing. In certain areas, this will permit an increased density for developments with more than 20 units.

The ordinance makes it easier to solve the parking problem that often plagues businesses and residences. It provides for "shared parking," in which a church or neighbor could agree to allow parking.

To encourage open space, this proposal will permit cluster development in rural residential areas. It will encourage tree conservation as well. It will prohibit construction in the "flood fringe" unless there has been a building or parking lot there within the last ten years.

For businesses, a "green component" will allow businesses using solar panels or wind turbines to operate slightly larger buildings.

In response to questions about a time frame, Heller indicated she will conduct work shops with the public; elicit presentations from different interest groups; and post the proposed ordinance, her power point and new map on the city web page. "When it goes to the Planning Commission depends on public interest," she concluded.

Planning Chair Larry Krauter asked Heller why the old paint mill, off Mauch Chunk Road, is zoned industrial when Monocacy Creek, a Class A wild trout stream, runs along its border. Heller explained that the new industrial classification "is more flexible" in its permitted uses. Krauter gently cautioned her, "You need to keep that in mind."

Before this proposed zoning ordinance becomes law, it must be recommended by the Planning Commission and City Council.

In other matters, planners unanimously agreed to permit Eileen MacMullen to covert her commercial condo unit in Payson House, located at 77 W Broad Street, into a "live work unit." The front of the unit, which faces the Sun Inn Courtyard, must be kept commercial.

They also approved the Silk Mill plan for a 4-story apartment building, containing 90 units, at 238 W. Goepp Street. There will be 151 apartments at this site with 260 parking spaces.

The plan proposed by Silk Mill Partners was a stucco and brick veneer building with a gable roof. Planners note that the Zoning Hearing Board had approved a flat roof and brick exterior. Planner Katie Lynch noted, "We want the outside look to be as authentic as possible."

The Silk Mill was represented by Mickey Thompson, who strangely also serves as Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board. "Our intent is not to do a switcheroo," he said, adding it is no problem to match the existing buildings.

Planners ultimately gave Silk Mill a green light, but insisted that the new building be flat-roofed, all brick exterior, and match surrounding buildings.