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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Moravian Village Expansion at Stefko Approved

Scott Pidcock
Despite concerns raised by a competitor, Bethlehem Planners unanimously approved plans for a 4-story, 86-bed assisted living and memory care center on Stefko Boulevard at the site of the former Minsi Trail Inn and Krick's Bakery. Representing Moravian Village, engineer Scott Pidcock told planners, at their February 9 meeting, that this expansion of a senior housing project on the other side of Stefko is something "the City can be proud of, as are we."

Assistant Planning Director Tracy Samuelson recommended approval as well.

This proposed expansion has been the subject of numerous legal roadblocks erected by competitor Abe Atiyeh, who owns two assisted living facilities in the area. A Zoning Hearing Board decision allowing the project to proceed was challenged in both County and appellate courts, but Atiyeh's objections were finally dismissed by the State Supreme Court in a one-sentence Order last September.

Despite this setback, Atiyeh continued to pose concerns to the Planning Commission. His VP of land acquisition, David Harte, complained that a proposed 45-space parking lot is too small and would present "safety concerns," even though it conformed to legal requirements.

"What we're hearing is your opinion. Thank you for that," retorted Moravian engineer Pidcock.

Attorney Bill Malkames, who had represented Atiyeh in his previous legal challenge, warned planners that nearby homeowners might have private rights in paper streets vacated by the City.

"Do you represent those people?" asked Planning Chair Jim Fiorentino.

"No, I don't," answered Malkames.

This meeting was the first for Nazareth football coach Rob Melosky and Olga Negron, who has served on CACLV and as Executive Director of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks. Their appointment to the 5-member Planning Commission was confirmed by City Council in January. Other members include Chairman Jim Fiorentino, Andrew Twiggar and Katie Lynch.

Their next meeting is scheduled on March 8, 4 PM, at Town Hall.
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12 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    Another reason why Gracedale should have been sold. Stoffa and Angle were correct. Gracedale cmpetes wth the private sector...not the role of county government or government at any level.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Medicaid payments to county owned nursing homes have been cut again and the private sector keeps building new facilities adding even more nursing home beds to a glutted market. Norco has lost its opportunity to sell Gracedale. In 4 years they would be lucky to get half of what was offered last year. By that time Gracedale will be leaking money all over the place and Norco voters will regret being bamboozled by the Save Gracedale mob.

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2012 at 4:16 PM

    What is "Morvian Village?" Is it affiliated with the Morvs?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bernie O'HareFebruary 11, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    Thanks for pointing out my typo. I corrected it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bernie O'HareFebruary 11, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    "Medicaid payments to county owned nursing homes have been cut again "

    I'm working on a story about that cut. Not sure if it is public only, or across the board. Might be the latter. It's still bad news.

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    How did the football coach do?

    ReplyDelete
  7. jully cFebruary 11, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    he was looking for the bar

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bernie O'HareFebruary 11, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    He took it seriously, paid attention and asked questions. He did better than I thought.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2012 at 1:34 AM

    More bullshit form the teabggers. Gracedale payments will be cut no more than private rates. Stop with the lies.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2012 at 10:01 AM

    Bernie - didn't these guys from Moravian hit the water pipe last year causing flooding and the water to be shut off in that part of Bethlehem?

    Was this mentioned at all during the hearing and do you know if Moravian Village paid for the damage?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bob PfenningFebruary 12, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    Bernie -- I have to agree completely with your 11:35 comment -- he did well as a PC "newbie"

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bernie O'HareFebruary 12, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    10:01, This was never mentioned during the hearing.

    ReplyDelete

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