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Friday, May 06, 2016

Bethlehem Plans Downtown Market Study and Retention Staffer

Bethlehem DCED Deputy Director Amy Burkett
Northampton County is using about $1 million in table games revenue for what Executive John Brown calls a Community Investment Partnership Program (CIPP), focused on the County's smaller communities. But another $150,000 has been earmarked for Bethlehem ($100,000) and Easton ($50,000). Easton is still working on its proposal, but Bethlehem introduced its spending plan to NorCo Council at their May 5 meeting.

Bethlehem is proposing to spend $100,000 on a downtown market study to develop a "market-based development strategy" and identify an optimal tenant mix for Bethlehem's two downtowns. Only $25,000 in County money will be spent on this study. Bethlehem Department of Community and Economic Development Director told Council the goal is to maintain two "vibrant" downtowns.

The remaining $75,000 will help fund a $125,000 business development and retention specialist.

Hyden Phillips, who supports this funding, asked whether Martin Tower is a third downtown. Deputy DCED Director Amy Burkett said she doubted whether Martin Tower will be included in this study.

President John Cusick suggested that the study should examine whether rents are being undercut by taxpayer subsidies in the Allentown NIZ.
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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 6, 2016 at 8:52 AM

    You mean people are getting bored with the boring, old lady shops on Main St? Yeah, me too. But it is what it is. Easton has a much better shot at being actually vibrant.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 6, 2016 at 8:59 AM

    Main St in Bethlehem is missing a pawn shop, barber shop and tattoo parlor which I believe is discrimination.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 6, 2016 at 9:06 AM

    Downtown Bethlehem is quiet, respectful of its history. A pleasant, clean place nice to visit. A charming few hours, a couple of days, maybe. Perfect setting for gift shops, nice meals, and unique experiences.

    Downtown Bethlehem needs to remain just as it is. A contrast.

    Fred Windish

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMay 6, 2016 at 9:40 AM

    "The remaining $75,000 will help fund a $125,000 business development and retention specialist"

    What??? $125,000 for a business retention specialist is ridiculous. Bethlehem had one a few years ago, but it was cut in favor of a Deputy Director of DCED to actually manage the department, which was suppose to leave Karner to handle the big picture things. The price tag for the old Retention Specialist position was $48,000 a year.

    If Bethlehem really wants to fund this, they should withhold the $75,000 from the Chamber, who has done nothing to help the downtown businesses.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bernie O'HareMay 6, 2016 at 9:41 AM

    "You mean people are getting bored with the boring, old lady shops on Main St? Yeah, me too. But it is what it is. Easton has a much better shot at being actually vibrant. "

    I can think of no stretch in the Lehigh Valley that is nicer than Bethlehem's Main Street.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 6, 2016 at 1:48 PM

    Main St is a really nice place to eat and dine. However there are a number of, as one post stated, "old lady stores". Wouldn't it be nice to have a couple national chain stores there to spice it up a little. A Starbucks, J Crew, Cheese Cake Factory? You have to bring in a couple stores that attracts other shoppers besides used designer clothes and trinkets for Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMay 6, 2016 at 4:27 PM

    1:48 PM - What makes Main Street unique is that there are no cookie cutter national chains. Those can be found everywhere and it is refreshing to visit an authentic local retail and dining area. I do hope they keep the genuine local small businesses.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Patriot2May 7, 2016 at 1:19 PM

    The study is a waste of taxpayer money and what the business retention specialist is supposed to do. All this new reason needs to do is meet with existing business owners who know what is needed. The salaries & benefits for Bethlehem employees is ridiculously higher than those of the businesses they are supposed to be serving. $75,000 for a business retention specialist is absurd!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Patriot2May 7, 2016 at 1:30 PM

    Upon rereading the article there must be a misprint if the new position is $125,000----blatant misuse of funds & likely a Donchez political patronage appointee!!!

    ReplyDelete

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