Local Government TV

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Casilio Concrete Coming to West Union Boulevard

Casilio Concrete through the years, and on Facebook
Casilio Concrete is a fourth-generation family business operating out of Bethlehem since 1938. It now serves in five different locations in a 60-mile radius, but is expanding in the Christmas City at 403 West Union Boulevard. On June 27, Bethlehem zoners unanimously granted James Casilio a special exception for a concrete supply store and showroom.
In a brisk and businesslike presentation, Casilio told zoners the property has been used as a gas station, used car lot, auto parts store and was once a home to Friedman Electric. He argued that his use won't be much different in scope an impact from the previous commercial uses. He will employ six full-time people at the shop, two of whom will manufacture concrete countertops and architectural pieces like fireplace surrounds. He'll also use one delivery truck.

Zoner Bill Fitzpatrick, concerned about the environmental impact, asked Casilio about cement dust and toxins in the dyes being used. Casilio explained that there is no dust because they work with concrete when it is wet. All work at the shop will be indoors, and pigments used are inert materials posing no environmental concerns. He added that the company even recycles its concrete. "We are good neighbors in the City of Bethlehem, and are very proud of our record," he concluded.

After his presentation, Casilio was uncertain whether he should leave the room while zoners deliberated. Zoning Chair Gus Loupos joked, "Stay! We won't talk about you."

In other business, zoners granted several dimensional variances to Marcos and Judith Canos for a 7-space parking lot on their property at 656-658 Shields Street. Attorney Joe Piperato, representing the Marcos', established that there is no parking available on Shields Street, and that the Marcos' family is one of the few willing to supply off-street parking. Engineer David Martin told zoners that an additional 1,000 sq.ft. of black top would have a negligible impact on storm water run-off.

Zoners also gave Audrey Muthard a side yard setback variance so she could build a carport at her 1512 Elayne Street home. She gave all the usual reasons - weather, property value, everyone else has one. But she told zoners this is really for her mother. A carport will enable her to sit in the shade and watch the children play outside. "I hope your mom enjoys her grandkids," remarked Bill Fitzpatrick after the Board granted the variance.

Unfortunately, Monica Cruz walked away from the Zoning Hearing Board disappointed. Seeking a special exception for a family day care at her 2133 W. Broad St. residence, she brought several family members and an interpreter to help her testify. But she also brought the posting billboard, which should have stayed on the property. All properties must be posted before a zoning hearing, and Cruz innocently removed it right before the hearing, thinking she had to turn it in. Although nobody was opposed to her request, Zoning Solicitor Mickey Thompson was concerned an objector could appear after the hearing, and have the entire proceedings invalidated because of this mistake. Cruz's matter was continued until next month, and the billboard will stay posted this time.

9 comments:

  1. everything in bethlum is a special exception with jc's hand picked boys

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  2. Bernie
    South Bethlehem post office closing plan. Once again it appears the less affluent will suffer. Separated by the Lehigh River and many of modest income, southside residents will have no opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a neighborhood post office if the federal govt. decides to close this important southside hub. Families, college students, singles, all enjoy this
    very busy facility. Please consider addressing this issue.

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  3. Wren:

    The appointments of Chairman Gus Loupos and William Fitzpatrick predate Mayor Callahan's election to the Board. It is true that they both were reappointed to their posts after approval by City Council.

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  4. Election to the office of Mayor (not Board). Sorry...

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  5. Wren, at least have some clue before you post nonsense.

    Seamus

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  6. Bethlehem is an insiders club. Anyone who lives in the city will tell you. From street cleaning to snow removal to zoning. the closer you are to City Hall, the better you get treated.

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  7. seamus - if jc makes a sharpe turn your nose will get broken

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  8. 8:33 a.m.

    The Federal government is only studying the closing of the South Bethlehem Post Office. The Post Office has already decided on closing the Wood Street Post Office which, I am sure you know is located on the northside of Bethlehem. It is disappointing that either of these post offices would be closed. It does not benefit the City in any way.

    Still Looking

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wren,

    It could happen since I'm usually aside of him. With my knowledge I can guarantee that those close to him get extreme scrutiny above and beyond all. Many of us make sure of that. Do you think that we are all that stupid and would let any impropriety happen? It always pisses me off when they make these asinine statements that they have no idea about.

    Seamus

    ReplyDelete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.