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.