Judge Zito Affirms Bethlehem ZHB in Elias Market Appeal

Lehigh County Comm'rs Go to the Dogs

Deputy Sherry Hanley and Eli, partners who like each other.

On December 21, their final night of business of the year, Lehigh County Commissioners took a moment to recognize Deputy Sheriff Sherry Hanley and Eli, her 12 year old Belgian sheepdog.

Eli is one of the few surviving therapy dogs who helped first responders at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. He and Deputy Hanley have since assisted in "Angel on a Leash," providing therapy at children's hospitals, and the "Wounded Warrior Project," helping wounded vets make the transition back to civilian life. Eli was named Therapy Dog Ambassador at the 2011 Purina National Dog Show and is the sole canine recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the American Kennel Club. He's even been on NBC's Today Show. But last night's resolution, recognizing Eli, is Eli's biggest honor to date, at least according to Lehigh County Commissioners.

Eli declined comment.

Eli comforts Dean Browning

Elias Farmers' Market Expansion Approved a Third Time

It was an anti-climatic end to Bethlehem's most controversial zoning matter in recent years. But on September 28, as a hard rain pelted Town Hall, few of the original participants were present. Gus Elias, one of the owners of Elias' Farmers Market, located at 3131 Linden Street, sat in a back row, flanked by his attorney, Joe Piperato. On the other side of the room sat City Council candidate Al Bernotas, one of the three litigants who have fought this proposed expansion tooth-and-nail. He was flanked by a West Easton Borough Council candidate.

After a thirty-five minute executive session, zoners approved the expansion for a third time in a 2-1 vote, with Ron Lutes dissenting. After four hearings, a judicial remand, four lawyers, and fourteen hours of testimony before packed houses, Bethlehem zoners reached the same conclusion they've already reached twice.

Once again, there are very strict conditions: use of the warehouse for wholesale distribution is banned; idling by any vehicles or storage of any buses or trucks not already owned by Elias is prohibited; no refrigerated trucks may run on the property; compressors must face Linden Street, away from residences; buffering and landscaping is required; no expansion in hours of operation; no additional retail space is permitted; no future expansions of the warehouse will be permitted; and no trash pick-up before 8 AM.

Bernotas has vowed an appeal, once he receives the written opinion.

I have two more stories about last night's meeting. A "zero carbon neighborhood" is being planned on the South Side. And Bethlehem zoners are going to the dogs. I'll give you the details, but need my beauty sleep. I'm getting up at 6 AM to speak to a college class.

They must be desperate.

Zoners to Rule on Elias Expansion Today

Although its parking lot was full on Saturday afternoon, I doubt customers were aware that Elias Farmers Market, located at the corner of Johnston Drive and Route 191, is the subject of a hot zoning controversy. Neighbors have fought tooth and nail against plans to expand its warehouse, as well as a loading dock. Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board is expected to rule today, for the third time, on whether the market may expand. Its previous two opinions were in favor of Elias, but a missing transcript made a new hearing necessary.