The Abe Atiyeh Show

Atiyeh (front) unhappy with Spadoni (rear) objections

Bethlehem Area Public Library was the venue for a September 19 hearing in the latest round of Abe Atiyeh zoning hearings. But instead of a librarian, Solicitor Erich Schock and Zoning Chairman Gus Loupos both had to ask the fifty or so people to be silent. For the most part, they were, as Attorney Mark Malkames made the case for drug and alcohol treatment centers at 2110 Center Street and 2349 Linden Street.

Both of these applications were originally filed last March, before Bethlehem's new zoning ordinance was adopted. Under that major overhaul, adopted in August, both Atiyeh sites would be too close to Bethlehem Catholic High and Spring Garden Elementary Schools. But the older zoning ordinance, under which Atiyeh's applications were filed, imposes no such restriction.

In July, zoners unanimously refused to allow Atiyeh to relocate his business offices from Whitehall Manor to a vacant home at 2110 Center Street, located on a 0.67-acre lot at the northeast corner of center Street and Dewberry Avenue. So now he's proposing to demolish the home and replace it with a 2 1/2 story residential treatment facility for up to 28 people suffering from drug and/or alcohol addiction.

David Harte, a Professional Engineer and Atiyeh's right-hand man for the past three years, acknowledged that patients could leave at will at what is, after all, a voluntary treatment center. But as he has testified in other hearings, he stressed that there is "a need" for treatment centers in the Lehigh Valley. Over thirty people have applied for the Executive Director position, claimed Harte.

"I've seen people with Center Street addresses arrested for DUI," he noted, insisting that the patients at this center would be "no different" than many of the people in that very neighborhood.

Zoner James Schantz, noting the numerous applications for Executive Director, asked Harte whether anyone has applied to be admitted as a patient. Harte answered that no patient solicitations can be made until the state grants a license.

Another zoner, Linda Shay Gardener, disputed Harte's claims that patients would undergo extensive counseling, noting that the plan shows only two counseling rooms and one office. Harte responded that most of this would occur in a group setting and in an open area.

The zoners' huddle: all they need is a football

Bethlehem City Council Solicitor Chris Spadoni was having a rough night. A former prosecutor, he was batting 0 for 4 in objections to testimony during Abe Atiyeh's quest for zoning approval of residential drug and alcohol treatment centers at 2110 Center Street and 2349 Linden Street. With no success, he argued that Harte lacks the qualifications to describe the management and operation of a drug and alcohol treatment center. He also objected unsuccessfully to Harte offering opinions on the criteria for this use, insisting that this was the ultimate question to be decided by the Zoning Hearing Board.

"Nice try," joked Atiyeh, after one of Spadoni's failed objections.

But on his fifth swing, Spadoni sent one over the fence, temporarily ending the presentation for the second application filed by Atiyeh.

Everyone wants to testify

In addition to a 28-bed residential treatment center at 2110 Center Street, he's planning a 47-bed residential treatment facility at 2349 Linden Street, site of what was once the Moose and Bug greenhouses. They'll be demolished, and a 2-story, 35,000 sq. ft., building will take their place.

Just as Attorney Malkames began to question Harte, Spadoni objected, noting inconsistencies between the actual application and the advertisement. "We tumbled off the road and into the weeds," said the Bethlehem barrister. "The advertisement does not match the application."

After reviewing the advertisement, Malkames agreed, and suggested that the matter be advertised again. Abe Atiyeh was a little reticent until he was assured his application will still be considered under the old zoning ordinance.

Testimony will continue on the 2110 Center Street application on October 16, 6 PM. Two days later, zoners will continue with the request for a drug and alcohl rehab at 2349 Linden Street.

Zoning Hearing Board member Bill Fitzpatrick disclosed that he is a teacher at the Arts Acadmey Charter School, which is a tenant in a building owned by Atiyeh. Fitzpatrick stated he saw no reason to recuse himself, but would step aside if others objected. Nobody did. Fitzpatrick has voted against nearly every Atiyeh application.