Elias Farmers' Market Expansion Approved a Third Time

It was an anti-climatic end to Bethlehem's most controversial zoning matter in recent years. But on September 28, as a hard rain pelted Town Hall, few of the original participants were present. Gus Elias, one of the owners of Elias' Farmers Market, located at 3131 Linden Street, sat in a back row, flanked by his attorney, Joe Piperato. On the other side of the room sat City Council candidate Al Bernotas, one of the three litigants who have fought this proposed expansion tooth-and-nail. He was flanked by a West Easton Borough Council candidate.

After a thirty-five minute executive session, zoners approved the expansion for a third time in a 2-1 vote, with Ron Lutes dissenting. After four hearings, a judicial remand, four lawyers, and fourteen hours of testimony before packed houses, Bethlehem zoners reached the same conclusion they've already reached twice.

Once again, there are very strict conditions: use of the warehouse for wholesale distribution is banned; idling by any vehicles or storage of any buses or trucks not already owned by Elias is prohibited; no refrigerated trucks may run on the property; compressors must face Linden Street, away from residences; buffering and landscaping is required; no expansion in hours of operation; no additional retail space is permitted; no future expansions of the warehouse will be permitted; and no trash pick-up before 8 AM.

Bernotas has vowed an appeal, once he receives the written opinion.

I have two more stories about last night's meeting. A "zero carbon neighborhood" is being planned on the South Side. And Bethlehem zoners are going to the dogs. I'll give you the details, but need my beauty sleep. I'm getting up at 6 AM to speak to a college class.

They must be desperate.