Bethlehem Zoners Approve Parking Lot For South Side Church

"Will you pray for us?"

That's the last question Bethlehem's ZHB Chair Gus Loupos had for Monsignor William Baker on Wednesday night. Zoners had just answered the Monsignor's prayer, unanimously approving a 15,400 sq. ft. parking lot to serve his parishioners at South Side's Incarnation of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church. Located about a block from the Church, this parking lot comes at a price. It will be necessary to raze two vacant homes located at 633 and 629 Buchanan Street.

Attorney Joseph "Jay" Leeson, representing the Church, presented testimony establishing that parishioners are currently forced to look for parking spots on the street. The proposed parking lot will be surrounded by a six foot high vinyl fence to keep headlights from bothering residents, and will be lit by shielded poles to minimize any inconvenience to neighbors.

One of these neighbors, Ethan Evans, was still unhappy with the proposal. "It's an awful shame to knock down two perfectly good homes to build a parking lot," he told zoners, also pointing out there will be two fewer homes in one of the City's most affordable areas. South side resident Stephen Antalics echoed Evans' concerns, stressing that he advocates "the preservation of single family homes."

In approving this parking lot, the Zoning Hearing Board still imposed a condition that it be made available to the general public during snow emergencies.

After getting approval, Attorney Leeson joked, "We're going to be handing out prayers. Come on out if you want some."

In other business, zoners granted Bill Hanna's prayer to sell used cars from his auto repair shop at 449 E. Broad Street. All cars being sold must be stored on the lot instead of the street, and he must close by 6 PM. Dunkin' Donuts will be allowed to place an internally lighted sign on its gas pump canopy facing Liberty High School at E. Elizabeth Avenue. Robert Becker, of 1837 Livingston Street was authorized to build a carport attached to his home.

Solicitor Mickey Thompson also updated ZHB members on the status of the Elias Farmers Market appeal. Bethlehem residents, led by Al Bernotos, have appealed their decision allowing Elias Farmers Market to expand its Linden Street business. In addition to these neighbors, City Council has intervened in the matter, supporting residents against the Board. That matter was heard in county court yesterday.