Local Government TV

Friday, September 21, 2012

Bethlehem Planners Ponder Sidewalks

Andrew Twiggar (L) and Olga Negron (R)
Habitat for Humanity, developer of 17-acre neighborhood called Minsi Ridge on the slopes of South Mountain, would like to be excused, at least for now, from installing sidewalks along the west side of James Street and the south side of Aaron Street. Citing the topography and remoteness of this site, located near the Sands Casino, it asked the City's Planning Commission for a deferral at their September 20 meeting. But a confused board tabled the matter, uncertain whether a deferral or outright waiver is the most appropriate solution.

"What has changed since you were last here that would justify a deferral?" asked Planning Chair Jim Fiorentino.

In 2007, plans for this development were originally rejected, although a re-submission narrowly passed.

"This is just three blocks from my house," stated Planning Commission member Olga Negron. "This is such a green area. I would like it kept green."

But Fiorentino countered that when this plan was first proposed, the objection was that the entire area should be kept green.

Another Planning Commissioner, Andrew Twiggar, noted that, unlike other subdivisions in which planners are reluctant to grant deferrals, James and Aaron Streets are not through streets and would have less pedestrian access.

But Fiorentino was still concerned that, if the City later decides it wants sidewalks, there will be confusion about who will bear the cost. Habitat for Humanity contended it would be the abutting owner. But one of those abutting owners, Wayne Yerger, disagreed. "I will be one of the people going after them," he said.

Then Fiorentino pondered whether, instead of a deferral, planners should grant an outright waiver, which would excuse everyone from installing a sidewalk.

"We're getting into things we did not anticipate at all," stated Planning Director Darlene Heller.

Bethlehem's Planning Commission decided to table the matter until their October 11 meeting and let city lawyers review the matter.

11 comments:

  1. No one knows what to do in the City of Bethlehem? Here's an idea: blame the zoning board!

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  2. "I want it to remain green".

    Then here's an idea: Don't build homes on the mountain.


    VOR

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  3. Put the sidewalks in.

    In a few years parents will be thankful their kids can walk safely from house to house without being in the streets. Or people from nearby neighborhoods might like to (safely) walk up to these new homes.

    If you don't want sidewalks, don't live in the city.

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  4. Deferal = the City one day in the future being able to require the property owner, at its cost and expense, with no hassles or recourse to install sidewalk.

    Waiver = the City never being able to require the property owner to install sidewalk, in the future, at its full cost and expense.

    Pretty simple. What's the problem? Is this the first time the City Planning Commission has had to deal with this issue?

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  5. Cut costs, because people that are poor don't dserve the same standard of living as the corprate tax right off?

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  6. This is f!?#king up South Mountain ---- but yo, it's f?!
    *king up South Mountain for a good cause.

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  7. Cut cost, just a big lot and than trails to the homes, keep making them feel under classed and drag the mud in there brand new homes? This wil cut cost than there will be paperwork that claims this was a multibillion$ tax right off and the feds can pay for there other projects?

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  8. You live in a city.

    Do the sidewalks.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Maybe this twitter guy could get together with the plump king of allentown and they could build a mudhole that will somehow benifit the public. Just think what the heck its only the poor, or better yet just have a bunch of office personel do the paperwork and build nothing that would work with the politics in the lehighvalley.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Off topic, but while browsing through latest Sports Illustrated, the cover story about "the fastest man in football" is titled "Can't Touch DAT". Couldn't help but to immediately think of your periodic tales of your grandson's youth athletic endeavors. I hope the kids on all the teams are enjoying their season.

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  11. Thanks, Lighthouse. He's having a blast with the Bethlehem Steelers this year.

    ReplyDelete

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