Bethlehem's Proposed Zoning Ordinance Reviewed at West Side Moravian Church

West Side Moravian Church was the venue for a Bethlehem Planning Commission review of a proposed new zoning ordinance on May 4. Despite the presence of engineers, lawyers and politicians in this hallowed atmosphere, there were no thunderbolts. Everyone survived. From her pulpit, Planning Director Darlene Heller provided 26 people with a detailed review of the City's latest revisions to a proposed new zoning ordinance draft, its first in forty years. This latest draft is now on the City's website, and public comments are still being accepted. Once an ordinance is recommended by City Planners, it will go to City Council.

Lauded as a "user friendly" ordinance, Heller stated that it provides for more appropriate, yet flexible, urban development. It maintains existing, healthy neighborhoods. Finally, it makes provisions for environmentally sensitive lands.

Here's some of the major changes:

* It will be easier to reuse the old corner store, vacant in many neighborhoods of many cities, with more flexible parking requirements.

* A "work force housing initiative," designed to encourage more affordable housing,s will permit an increased density for developments with more than 20 units in certain areas.

* Solar panels will be permitted by right.

* Buildings making use of green technology can be slightly larger.

* "Shared parking," in which a church or neighbor could agree to allow parking, will be permitted.

* "Cluster development" will be allowed in rural residential areas in exchange for pockets of open space.

* In the City's "downtown" areas, a building height of 150' is permitted, but if it's within 60' of a residential area, that height is reduced to 75. Along Broad Street, a building height of 60' is permitted, but if it's within 50' of someone's home, the height is restricted to 45'.

Heller continues to recommend rezoning a portion of Easton Avenue, between West Boulevard and Rodgers Street, to "limited commercial." When Bethlehem's Planning Bureau first tried that in 2005, thirteen nearby residents complained about "the Stefko-ization" (a reference to the commercial development along Stefko Boulevard) of Easton Avenue. Every member of City Council echoed those reservations, and the rezoning idea died. Bethlehem resident Dana Grubb reminded Heller of that concern, but Heller responded that the type of development allowed along Easton Avenue would be more limited.

Grubb also complained about billboards, which will be permitted along Routes 22, 378, I-78 and 412. He referred to what he called the LED "monstrosity" on the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. "I know a number of people whose living rooms and bedrooms ... have been impacted by the intensity of the light," he noted, and warned that there are many apartments and residential areas near Route 378. One unidentified resident agreed, stating that the LED billboard makes his living room look "like a lightning storm." Heller stated there will be a separation distance from residential zones.

Bethlehem zoning activist and City Council candidate Al Bernotas warned that, because of the deletion of certain definitions, large trucks could be parked in residential areas. He suggested that the ordinance still needs work.

Planners agreed, and Chairman Jim Fiorentino asked Heller to review Bernotas' concerns. Planners will continue their review at their May 12 meeting.

(Blogger's Note: In the photo, Planning Director Darlene Heller reviews the proposed zoning ordinance.)