Bethlehem City Council Chided Over Backyard Chicken Obsession

Bethlehem City Council had a loaded agenda last night. There were never-ending LERTAs, zoning changes, the proposed demolition of the Banana Factory for a cultural center to backyard chickens. There were plenty of speakers, too. Most were anxious to weigh in on a new cultural center proposed by Artsquest. There were a several backyard chicken supporters, but the big draw was Artsquest's desire to tear down the banana factory, which had previously been nixed by the South Side Historic Conservation Commission. Now Musikfest, which is put on by Artsquest, is scheduled to start on Thursday.  It's a busy time for Kassie Hilgert and her numerous employees and volunteers. Yet she and many of them had to sit through a nearly four meeting before the subject was broached. 

Mayor Willie Reynolds, who had previously told Council how busy the City was in getting ready for Musikfest, rebuked City Council for making Artsquest officials wait at their busiest time of the year. He suggested that, out of courtesy, the matter should have been heard before the City's other business.

When they did finally get to it, City Council agreed with the proposed demolition and new cultural center by a 5-2 vote. Council members Michael Colon, Paige Van Wirt, Grace Crampsie Smith, Hillary Kwiatek and Kiera Wilhelm sided with Artsquest, though they really, really, really, really respect the Historic Conservation Commission and love history. Council members Rachel Leon and Wandalyn Enix sided with the Historic Conservation Commission, though they really, really, really, really love the arts and Arstsquest. 

All too often, I see historic conservation commissions used to bludgeon homeowners with page after page of ridiculous rules and regulations that have little to do with history but a lot to do with making neighborhoods exclusive. Here, it was being used as a sledgehammer to prevent a nonprofit organization which has done everything it can to preserve much of the rusting hulks once known as the Steel Stacks. 

Historic preservation is great for old churches and libraries, but a banana factory? Give me a break.

Dr. Lee Reilly, a physician who dabbles with art, told Council that "[h]umans have a basic need to be creative," and thinks the proposed cultural center will ignite artistic sparks in children for decades to come. 

Wait a minute, what about those damn chickens? 

Well, civil rights leader Esther Lee, church hat and all, addressed City Council about what certainly seemed like misplaced priorities. She said she'd like to see that much enthusiasm for the homeless.  

By the way, City Council decided to delay its vote for two weeks. Council member Paige Van Wirt, who had assured mayor Willie Reynolds just two weeks ago that she had all the details, apparently missed a few. Council President Michael Colon had to introduce a series of amendments, which must be advertised before a vote. So backyard chickens will have to wait two weeks, where another 100 people can come again. 

How does Mayor Reynolds feel about all this, asked President Michael Colon. 

"This is your ordinance, not ours," snapped Reynolds. He went on to note that the City has a lot of serious problems. "There are a lot of things on fire right now. On a 1 to 10 level, we're an 11." He went on to note that  there are 40 vacancies at City Hall, but workers who are left have been besieged with calls from people seeking chicken permits. He said that some of them even want "dreamer" permits for chickens who came to Bethlehem illegally, through no fault of their own, when they were little chickadees. His health director is dealing with monkeypox, Covid and other public health issues, but now has to deal with chickens.  

Call me cRaZy, but I'm beginning to think Hizzoner will veto chickens.