South Side Bethlehem Goes For an Arts Walk

Chris Morales questions cost of Community Benefit District

Would you like a safer South Side? One that grabs the attention of the 20,000 visitors who pass through it each day? One with a fresh appearance and vibrant neighborhoods? That's the whole point of a Community Benefit District proposed by a coalition that includes Lehigh University, Northampton Community College, St. Luke's Hospital, ArtsQuest and several Third and Fourth Street businesses. During a June 25 meeting at Comfort Suites, Landscape Architect and Planner Carter Van Dyke provided about 25 residents with a sneak preview of some of the plans under consideration. Everything will be connected by an "Arts Walk" with colorful paving, festival lights, parklets and art.

Van Dyke, stating that "There's more to South Side than Third Street," wants to draw visitors into the nooks and crannies between Third and Fourth Streets. He proposes transforming portions of Vine, Morton, Webster and Filmore Streets into festival destinations with outdoor dining, interactive kiosks, green links and parklets. South New Street, near Third, would have a festive streetscape with festive lighting that could be seen from City Hall.

This idea, Van Dyke claimed, is based on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods and entertainment amenities. He explained that, done right, an arts walk would capture the character of the community. He added that parklets, created by having businesses surrender a parking spot here and there, would increase their sales 20%. He also proposes reducing the widths of some streets like 40' wide Morton Street. At Five Points, he'd plant trees to offset "so much pavement" in that area.

Van Dyke wants to give people two reasons to come to Bethlehem instead of one. He argued that South Side should be its own destination, not a "step child" to North Bethlehem.

The concern raised by most residents is cost. Half of tyhe $500,000 annual budget will come from the pockets of property owners, tenants and businesses.

Carter Van Dyke: South Side not North Bethlehem's "step child"

Chris Morales, a Republican candidate for City Council, called the streetscape enhancements a "fantastic idea," but was the first to question cost. He also worries whether it's such a good idea to make streets narrower in an area known for traffic congestion.

Lehigh University's Dale Kochard responded that cost options will be explored more closely at their next meeting, currently scheduled for July 10.

One unidentified resident, who stormed out after speaking, wants nothing done at all.

"I know this are better than you do," he said, adding he owns four properties. "We have a major gang problem here. You can put out as many planters as you want. When they drink in the bars, they’ll come out and knock the planters over.”

Van Dyke responded that this will change as people care more for their property.

Peter Crowell criticized the "contrived" appearance of the artwork on the plans, and Van Dyke agreed that whatever is produced will be more organic and will require the efforts of "many, many people."

Van Dyke stated there will probably be a demonstration project, followed by others over time.