In a marathon, four-hour, session on August 19, Bethlehem planners considered a new grocery store, the expansion of what was once a roadside stand, and increasing the size of the Zoning Hearing Board. But the project having the biggest impact on the City and entire Lehigh Valley is the long-awaited "21st Century Town Square," a venue for as many as sixty free, family-oriented, concerts every year. Located along East First Street with the now silent blast finances as a backdrop, the centerpiece of this development is the Levitt Pavilion and amphitheater lawn, with room for 2,500 music lovers.
Meet the South Side Town Square
Bethlehem consultant Gregg Feinberg told planners this Town Square not only provides for the "redevelopment and reinvigoration" of that site, but will transform "the neighborhood, City and region into an area for public performances." Unlike most plans, which are replete with buildings, this one provides for plenty of open space on the City's south side. In addition to the sprawling lawn for concerts, there are plazas, outdoor stages, tree-covered picnic groves, a playground for children, a 370-car parking lot, and a relocation of E. 1st Street. Festival Plaza will feature a farmers' market and antiques.
Even East First Street is transformed, with dark bituminous paving and a tapered, 28 feet width, to slow down traffic. Feinberg and David Ostrich, who is with WRT Architects, indicated that the street will be blocked during larger concerts.
Planners, who unanimously approved the project, quickly granted six waivers needed for items as diverse as road width to the number of trees required along the borders. Ironically, the number of trees on a former brownfield was the only bone of contention in this city-sponsored project.
Planner James Fiorentino noted that other developers who fail to show a sufficient number of trees are required plant trees elsewhere that are acceptable to the City Bureau of Forestry. "We do this to everybody else," he reminded everyone. But Solicitor Joe Kelly satisfied Fiorentino's concerns when he mentioned that the City, unlike other developers, already plants numerous trees every year.
Although this plan was unanimously approved, Bethlehem School Board has imposed a roadblock on its completion. Bethlehem plans to fund this with a TIF agreement under which a portion of casino real estate taxes will finance public infrastructure on the former brownfield. The school board maintains this plan goes beyond the TIF agreement that they, along with Northampton County and the City, signed over ten years ago.
New Grocery Store Being Planned on Stefko Boulevard
In other business, plans for a 18,279 square foot grocery store, located at the northeast corner of Stefko Boulevard and East North Street, were introduced. Located at the site of Pharmachem Specialties, the Plan will need to go to the Zoning Hearing Board for a use variance. But planners had numerous suggestions, from a widening of East North Street to traffic signalization to moving the site of the grocery store closer to Stefko Boulevard, in keeping with what Planning Chair Lawrence Krauter calls "the urban model."
Eric Gibson of DHD Partners, who made the presentation, told The Bethlehem Press that the identity of the actual grocery store is still confidential. It will be located north of the WaWa located at Broad and Stefko.
Elias Farmers Market Gives Planners 60 Day Extension
The final matter considered by planners was the expansion of Elias Farmers Market, located at 3131 Linden Street. Although a zoning appeal is still in the hands of Judge Edward Smith, nonaction on the Plan would result in a deemed approval unless partners Gus Elias and George Azar were willing to agree to an extension. "We'd like to move forward," said engineer Steve Pany, at the beginning of the hearing.
Underneath all the legal jargon, Judge Smith is weighing a busy produce market's desire to operate more efficiently and safely against Bethlehem homeowners concerned about the impact of a business in their backyard. Dring oral arguments, Judge Smith made one observation. "It seems neighbors and owners have different views of what is going on," remarked Judge Smith. He encouraged both sides to talk to each other.
That hasn't happened.
So at a planning hearing, where zoning issues are irrelevant, those issues inevitably rose to the surface again.
Johnston Drive neighbor Al Bernotas was one of six people who spoke against the plan. "They're building a factory in a residential area," he complained. Sue Fang, whose property abuts the market, stated the flat rooftop would host more lod compressors. She noted that the three-bay loading dock is just a stone's throw from her bedroom. She questioned why the plan fails to show her own home, even though it is right next to the market. Fang pointed out that a warehouse will bring more traffic. She questioned whether this could endanger children, who walk to a nearby schoo, and she and others like Bernotas wondered why there hadbeen no traffic study.
Is the expansion really a new distribution center? Are loud tractor trailers coming in and out of the loading dock at all hours of day and night? Is garbage and other debris blowing into neighbors' yards? Does the smell of rotting produce interfere with neighbors who just want to be able to enjoy their own homes? Planners heard from neighbors and from Gus Elias, who said their claims were "absolutely wrong" and that the expansion would mean less, instead of more, deliveries.
"From day one, I've said this a thousand times, we're willing to sit down with everybody," said Elias partner George Azar. But under questioning from Planning Chair Lawrence Krauter, Azar conceded that development of the site was never coordinated with neighbors, and no meetings had ever been held. Krauter urged Azar and Elias to do that and expressed his appreciation at "the civility with which everyone expressed themselves."
Although engineer Pany had indicated at the onset that he was unwilling to agree to a 60-day extension, he relented after several planners hinted things might not go Elias' way. "There's a lot to be absorbed here and I'd be extremely uncomfortable making a decision," hinted planner Stephen Thode.
Planners Recommend ZHB Expansion
In their final item on a long night, planners agreed to recommend expanding Bethlehem's Zoning hearing Board from three to five members. But lingering questions about the length of terms were left to the lawyers.
"We're done," announced a secretary, and everyone bolted for a bathroom.
Outside City Hall, Gus Elias could be seen talking to his neighbors and nobody was throwing any tomatoes.
Re South side: Is this the same Gregg Feinberg that just hosted a fundraiser for Callahan that featured Bill Clinton? Things that make me go "hmmmm"
ReplyDeleteIf this mystery grocer is one more of the "Bottom Dollar" coming to town, isn't it a bit close to
ReplyDeleteseveral established Stefko Blvd.
grocers? Why the mystery?
What do others think?
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteRe South side: Is this the same Gregg Feinberg that just hosted a fundraiser for Callahan that featured Bill Clinton? Things that make me go "hmmmm"
2:47 PM
Oh My Goodness. Wow! Didn't catch the name. How interesting. Maybe Bill will cut the ribbon.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteIs there ample room at the North Street site for a grocer?
Very cool stuff....
ReplyDeleteGrocery stores are a good addition to a neighborhood. They provide part-time jobs ideal for homemakers.
ReplyDeleteHope this goes through.
If this is the WaWa at Broad & Minsi, there's no close by grocery store. This is great news.
ReplyDeleteBernie
ReplyDeleteDo you know when the next Bethlehem Zoning meeting is?
Just heard there was a huge front page story about the Callahan/Dino event in a local paper.
ReplyDeleteNext Zoning Hearing Board meeting is Wednesday, August 25th, at 7:00 PM, in the rotunda at City Hall. These items are usually published on the City of Bethlehem website, but lately it seems they are too busy doing other stuff to keep it up-to-date.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the zoning meeting information.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the zoning meeting information.
ReplyDelete"If this is the WaWa at Broad & Minsi, there's no close by grocery store. This is great news."
ReplyDeleteIt is, and it sounds pretty neat, at least to my layman's eyes. I think the tract is large enough for a gorocery store and parking, but not much else. I believe it is around 2 acres.
"Re South side: Is this the same Gregg Feinberg that just hosted a fundraiser for Callahan that featured Bill Clinton? Things that make me go 'hmmmm'"
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed. I had no idea that among his many hats, Gregg Feinberg is a consultant to Bethlehem.
Hmmm... Gregg Feinberg... any relation to Cindy Feinberg - the Lehigh County Economic Development Director??
ReplyDeleteI forget my Latin but when you give something(fundraiser) and get something(green light from city for a development project) is that a Quid Pro Quo?
ReplyDeleteGregg is Cindy's husband. I know he supports Callahan and had that fundraiser. When I heard him introduce himself as a City consultant, I'll admit I was a bit surprised. It may be that he is an unpaid consultant and is working primarily for the benefit of Artsquest or at the behest of the LVEDC. I will check it out. But since this is a City project, I don't really know if there is any kind of quid pro quo.
ReplyDeleteBernie
ReplyDeletePlease delete request for open mike.
The new grocery will not only benefit the North St neighborhood but Moravian Village residents who are able to get around will enjoy nearby shopping as well. Perhaps the Village will organize a van to the store and back. This is very good economic and personal consumer news.
ReplyDeleteTo clear the air, it would have been appropriate for Gregg to have stated, "unpaid" or "paid" advisor in his presentation.
ReplyDelete"Bernie
ReplyDeletePlease delete request for open mike"
When I decide to do it and prepare a post, you tell me to forget it. Geez. Let me explain something. The post you see here consumed about 8 hours of my time. I went to a 4 hour meeting, then wrote about an hour last night and another three this morning to bring readers information, some of which is in the newspapers, and some of which is not. There is a picture from the Planning Department. The purpose here is to inform, not just advocate or express opinions.
When I left that meeting last night, I went to another one, and when that was done, wrote a post about that meeting. Once again, the main purpose is to inform. It was a late night.
So I don't want to just have an open mike. That's the easy way out.
The notion of an open mike bothers me for a few reasons. First, this is not just an opinion blog. Second, I am bringing nothing to the table, and feel I am taking the easy way out. Third, I do not think there will be that much interest.
But after the suggestion has been made, twice, I will try it tomorrow. But I don't want to do it on weekdays. Nothing is really "open." There is too much going on, and I can't apparently always cover what you want covered.
Why not submit an essay on the topic that interests you, complete with links to factual assertions? I'll post it.
Open Mike Possible Topic:
ReplyDelete"What does Christianity mean to you?"
or
would you like me to write an essay on who serves the best cheese-steak in the Lehigh Valley (including P'burg)?
Peace, ~~Alex+
There is already a locally owned grocery store, Valley Farm Market, on Stefko Blvd, in the strip mall at the light -- it is in the old Laneco grocery building.
ReplyDelete"I forget my Latin but when you give something(fundraiser) and get something(green light from city for a development project) is that a Quid Pro Quo?"
ReplyDeletei love watching millan have conversations with himself
"There is already a locally owned grocery store, Valley Farm Market, on Stefko Blvd, in the strip mall at the light -- it is in the old Laneco grocery building."
ReplyDeleteThis is not in the same neighborhood. Valley Farms is at least 1.5 miles from this location.
The proposed store is in a good location. It will be able to serve the eastern South Side area, too, which is way underserved by grocery stores. Additionally, Moravian Village has proposed expansion across the street from the new grocery store, on the site of the former Kricks Bakery and Minsi Trail Restaurant. (Although the zoning change that allowed this expansion has been challenged by Abe Atiyeh---who claims it is because he think Stefko BLvd is too busy of the street for a secured alzheimers unit, but it is really about more competition for his complexes)
Anyway, the grocery store will serve an underserved area of the city.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteThere is already a locally owned grocery store, Valley Farm Market, on Stefko Blvd, in the strip mall at the light -- it is in the old Laneco grocery building.
11:53 PM
All miles are not created equal. The Valley Farm Market may be less than two miles from this proposed site but for a young mother with toddlers, walking on Stefko Blvd. along this particular section is dangerous. There are few safe sidewalks, heavily used intersections and too many driveways to make it safe.
The proposed North St. site is in a tree lined neighborhood and will well serve consumers.
Attention Stefko Area Community Leaders:
ReplyDeleteWhile we're excited about this North S. grocer's arrival, we’re concerned about pedestrian safety for the Pembroke Neighborhood,
wanting to shop at the new store.
These shoppers including many young children will need to cross Stefko & Pembroke. We hope city planners invite the North St. developer to chip in for enhanced safety crossing equipment, including new traffic signals, new sidewalk and curbing, as needed tree trimming, and brighter exterior street lighting.
For people who shop on foot, like we used to do in the old days on the South Side -- mom and I walked to the butcher and the grocer and the fish shop, ordered the items we wanted, and walked home. The stores delivered later in the day!
ReplyDeleteWhen I mentioned Valley Farm Market, I did it in response to somebody who said there were no other groceries in the neighborhood, but neither of us defined the boundaries of neighborhood. It has been so long since I have lived anywhere it is possible to walk to the store, that I was assuming going grocery shopping by auto, and in that case, Valley Farm would be just a short distance.
But, you are right, the new market might be more convenient for those shopping on foot. I sort of do not think many people from the east part of the South Side will be walking to it though...But, what do I know? I could be surprised. Anyway, why not build it? Variety and choice are always (almost) an advantage.
Interesting Feinberg connection. Knowing that Bethlehem City is in Lehigh and Northampton County's, wondering if there is any connection with funding from Lehigh County with this quest thing??
ReplyDeletethere are always connections. callahaan and his cronies are only in it for their own benefit.
ReplyDeleteQ. WHY DOESN't HE PUSH FOR A SOUTHSIDE GROCERY?
A. Not enough in it for him.
But, you are right, the new market might be more convenient for those shopping on foot. I sort of do not think many people from the east part of the South Side will be walking to it though...But, what do I know? I could be surprised. Anyway, why not build it? Variety and choice are always (almost) an advantage.
ReplyDelete3:42 PM
Graciousness Continues.
Looking Into Our Crystal Ball...
ReplyDelete"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It would be a stretch to say that Big Brother will hang out in Clevelanders' trash cans, but the city plans to sort through curbside trash to make sure residents are recycling -- and fine them $100 if they don't.
The move is part of a high-tech collection system the city will roll out next year with new trash and recycling carts embedded with radio frequency identification chips and bar codes.
The chips will allow city workers to monitor how often residents roll carts to the curb for collection. If a chip show a recyclable cart hasn't been brought to the curb in weeks, a trash supervisor will sort through the trash for recyclables. "
Courtesy: Drudge Report
"dark bituminous paving" ... um, that sounds like plan old blacktop to me
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteAttention Stefko Area Community Leaders:
While we're excited about this North S. grocer's arrival, we’re concerned about pedestrian safety for the Pembroke Neighborhood,
wanting to shop at the new store.
A pity Just Born's plan to build a visitors center went by the wayside. Included was a grand plan to improve Stefko from the bridge to Easton Ave. crossing. The plan I saw included beautification, standardization of lighting and signage, but more importantly, attention to safety such as more crosswalks, and turn lane, restricted left turns, laybys, etc... I think the businesses along the corridor killed it.
VOR
To all Elias Market Neighbors,
ReplyDeleteAs you all know, we all have spent the past year debating about the improvements we would like to make for our business. Therefore, we would like to be given the opportunity to meet with all of you and explain, in person, our plans. We feel this meeting is crucial to fully understanding the necessity behind our reasoning for making these improvements.
We would like to meet with all of you at our store location on Sunday, the 29th of August, at 6 PM. Refreshments will be provided. Please email us at nakazar5@msn.com if you plan on attending or have any questions or concerns.
We hope this meeting will eliminate some of the misunderstandings that are occuring and help us all come to an agreement.
Sincerely,
Elias Family
Elias Family,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reaching out. I'll be there and hope that as many neighbors as possible do attend. I'll also post this as a separate blog tomorrow.