RIP Gus Loupos

Gus Loupos, former chair of Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board, has passed away. You can read his obituary here. It tells you many fascinating things about this great man. He served in the US Army during the Korean War, was a teacher at both of Bethlehem's public high schools and even helped found an interim school for troubled kids. I was privileged to get to know him during many long nights covering the Zoning Hearing Board. He was everything you'd want to see in a public official.

Gus set an atmosphere for the board that continues today. He was always careful to make sure that anyone who wanted to speak had the opportunity to do so. He was fair-minded in what were sometimes contentious hearings, and always displayed a self-deprecating good humor. 

I will miss him. 

 

Is This the Way To Spend Your 53rd Wedding Anniversary?

It was a long night. On August 24, Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board heard five appeals. Their night began at 7 PM, and they heard cases for three and a half hours with no recess. Not even a bathroom break. But between cases, zoner Bill Fitzpatrick did announce that it was Chairman Gus Loupos' 53rd wedding anniversary, and the room erupted in applause.

"Everyone else is appreciative, but my wife is not too happy," responded the Chair. Somebody blurted out, "At least there are witnesses to prove you're here."