Cemetery Residents Have No Objection to Home at Holy Ghost

Bethlehem ZHB deliberates. 

His name is Bishop but he's a priest. Father Cliff Bishop, Pastor at both the Incarnation of Our Lord and Holy Ghost Parishes in South Bethlehem, stood before the City's Zoning Hearing Board on April 22. The cemetery there has a house that was once occupied by a caretaker, but is currently vacant. So Father Bishop wants to offer the home for sale. He needed what zoners call a variance for the residential use right next to the graveyard.

"I would assume there would be no objection from the residents right next to the home?" asked Chairman Gus Loupos.

"I would hope not," answered Father Bishop, who added they're "pretty quiet" and "don't make much noise."

The use variance was unanimously granted by four members of the Board. Linda Shay Gardner, detained by a business conflict, was absent.

The Diocese of Allentown was represented by Allentown Attorney Benjamin Traud.

The Board also gave Dylan Finelli permission for a carport at his home at 627 4th Avenue and approved a four lot subdivision at 802-804 Atlantic Street after an extensive presentation by Engineer Kevin Horvath and Bethlehem Attorney Joe Piperato. Owner Brett Lewis plans to build four single homes at the site. Attorney Michael Santanasto, who is acquainted with Lewis, recused himself.

Finally, zoners granted Colleen Miller permission to establish a new storage facility next to one she already owns at 815 Traveler Avenue. She testified that no chemicals and no residents are permitted at the site, which is located near the Greenway.

She caught a person there last year who was living in one of the storage sheds.

"I think it's wonderful that she didn't mention you by name, Bernie," wisecracked Santanasto.

Miller was represented by Easton Attorney Ted Lewis and Engineer Kevin Horvath. "We liked him so much we asked hom to stick around," joked Lewis.