Vandalism, Sinkholes Reported at Housenick Park

Bethlehem resident Doug Lander spoke at the March 21 Bethlehem Township Commissioner's meeting concerning "more and more vandalism" that he and his wife have noticed during the past two months at Housenick Park. Although he noted that the mansion has been boarded up, it has an "abandoned and neglected look." He added that there are huge sinkholes near a parking lot that was just completed for the park, and suggested that security cameras need to be installed.

Lander and his wife noticed vandalism while walking at the park the previous Saturday.

On Saturday morning, approximately 11:15, my wife and I were walking the perimeter of the Housenick Mansion and observed what appeared to be a break-in and vandalism at the mansion. My wife walks there daily and recalled that as of 4:00 pm on Friday evening, the damage to the property had not yet occurred. Sadly, it seems that vandalism occurs all to often at the property with the resulting plywood covers over windows diffusing the still somewhat stately presence of the mansion.

The attached pictures [you can see them above] show the damage. The bottom half of one of the floor to ceiling windows in the sun room on the north side was completely destroyed to (apparently) gain entrance. Other panes were damaged as well. Some type of pipe was removed and tossed in the yard area and at least two cans of old paint were removed. What little paint left in the cans was splattered on the brick steps and one can was tossed on the steps. Paint was also splattered just a bit down the drive. We spotted the second can in the wooded area on the other side of the stone wall during our walk this afternoon.

We did place a call to the police and explained our findings upon their arrival. The alarm system apparently did work, as they had received a call on Friday night around 8:00 pm. The police indicated that they are at the property on a fairly regular basis, often due to a call that the portable toilet had been tipped over.

During our walk on Sunday, we did notice that the window has been covered with plywood. The paint cans were still lying about. There were also broken window panes in the porch-like area in the rear of the mansion that we had observed on Saturday, but we do not recall if that was new damage. Sadly, while the mansion would appear to have so much potential, the repeated acts of those with no regard for history and who do not respect the property of others, leaves us to wonder if the mansion will too soon be a victim of a tragic loss or simply become too expensive to consider returning to some likeness of its former grandeur.

Lander asked Commissioners what they plan to do with mansion. He said he recalled there was a plan, but it is two years old. Michael Hudak disputed that, saying the plan is only a year old.

Township Manager Melissa Shafer's March report indicates the following facts about Housenick Park:

* The Township now owns the driveway leading to the Park, and will complete paving this Spring.
* Draft plans for the mansion and bathrooms have been submitted to Comm'rs, and they are expected to decide on the best use of the mansion after reviewing them.
* :The Township has applied for a $427,222 grant for the park and trails.
*  Housenick Trustees  have asked for a meeting with Commissioners.

Bethlehem Tp Approves $10 Million Line of Credit For Big Ticket Needs

At their April 7 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners unanimously approved a 5-year line of credit for big ticket items in the upcoming years. These include a $1.2 million aerial fire truck, other fire vehicles and roadway improvements. Finance Director Andrew Freda told Commissioners that the credit line would only be drawn on as needed over the next five years, with a very favorable 2.6% fixed interest rate.

Approximately half of the funding for the new firetruck - $550,000 - is included in a grant application to the Northampton County Gaming Board.

"It's a $10 million line of credit, not a $10 million loan," cautioned Comm'r Michael Hudak. President Tom Nolan agreed, noting that the certification for the fire truck is set to expire. "These are issues that we can't ignore for too long before we get in trouble."

There was no objection or questions from members of the public.

In other business, Commissioners decided against requesting the Parks and Recreation Board to consider relaxing rules to permit dogs at Housenick Park, as well a wine and cheese party that a local State Representative wanted to host.

A big part of the problem, at least in the mind of Comm'r Phil Barnard, is whether they've ever really decided how this park, part of the Archibald Johnston estate, should be used. "I don't know if we truly defined what we're going to do there," he wondered.

Hudak noted that alcohol is permitted by permit in part of the community park, but it's in the open, under supervision and near rest facilities. Housenick, he noted, is a more secluded area.

Comm'r Marty Zawarski thinks the idea is premature. "I'm not in favor of going down that road and allowing alcohol," he reasoned, noting he might change his thinking as the park is developed.

The request to allow dogs into Housenick Park came from Karen Berry, who told Commissioners that many people stay away because they are unable to bring their dogs. She, herself, owns no dog. "I don't have a dog in this race she laughed."

Noting he had been down this road many times before, Hudak gave a detailed explanation why he opposes dogs in Township parks, based on what he sees during walks along the Lehigh River towpath. "There's constantly dog feces there," he complained. "It's not just the solid waste of the dog. It's the liquid waste that's just as destructive," he argued, noting most parents would be disgusted to see their children rolling around on grass where had just urinated.

So for now, dogs, are completely banned at Housenick. State Representatives are OK, but must leave the wine and cheese in Harrisburg.

NorCo Eyes Preservation of Archibald Johnston Lands

Bethlehem's first Mayor, Archibald Johnston, was a man of contradictions. He was part of the Bethlehem Steel Company's management team who refused to negotiate with strikers who wanted Sundays off and 12 1/2 cents per hour. But during the Great Depression, he converted his Camel's Hump farm into a collective for farmers to share and barter different products. At the Steel, he was involved in making the machinery of war. But as Mayor, he was an active proponent of public health. His Steel Company is now the largest brownfield in the United States. But his lands along an important recharging point in the Monocacy Creek, served as a refuge, not just for him, but for native trout and even the Bald Eagle. In one of his last actions as Northampton County Executive, John Stoffa is trying to preserve this land, something he calls the central park of the Lehigh Valley.

Located along the south side of Route 22 near the Rte 191 Exit, and then extending south as far as the City of Bethlehem, Camel's Hump Farm is much smaller than it used to be. Much of the land has been developed. But what remains is still much like it was when Johnston lived there. Thanks to the generosity of Johnston granddaughter Janet Housenick, Bethlehem Township is the owner of a 55-acre passive use park, which includes the expansive colonial style mansion that Johnston built. Housenick even set aside $2 million to care for the lands.

That's not all, Before her death, Housenick gave the County what is now known as the 36-acre Archibald Johnston Conservation Area. Straddling Monocacy Creek, this land is adjacent to Housenick Park.

But other lands once owned by Johnston are being eyed by developers. Central Moravian Church owns 26 acres along the west side of Route 191 and east side of Housenick Park. The Leckonby Estate owns another 18 acres, located along Santee Mill Road in Bethlehem, on the south side of Housnick Park. Both sites are ideal for "luxury" apartments for yuppies who want to pretend they are at one with nature while they commute daily to NYC. The land on Route 191 is just right for another Scheetz gas station, or yet another strip mall.

Though the Moravian Church and Leckonby have both been pressured, they've resisted temptation so far and have entered into agreements with the County to sell to the Natural Lands Trust. The Central Moravian Church has signed a letter of intent with the County to sell its land for $367,500 from the County's open space fund, with a matching grant from DCNR. Settlement is planned next April. There is an agreement to sell the Leckonby tract for $290,000 in open space funds, with a matching DCNR grant.

This will enable the preservation of a cold water limestone stream with wild trout. The surrounding lands will help preserve that watershed and minimize storm water runoff downstream, like the run off that ruined Musikfest in Bethlehem two years ago. It is possible to link up to paths along the Monocacy leading south to the D and L trail, and north to the Nor-Bath Trail. It would present a seamless park and preserve system, with the Johnston Mansion as a focal point for education, history and community events.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of this open space project is its potential for community gardens, in which residents will be able to grow and harvest crops.

But will it happen?

It's not completely environmentally sensitive land. It's not completely a farm. It's not completely a park. It's what they call a "tweener," something with aspects of each. The Open Space Advisory Board gave its blessing to this project at a meeting at Northampton Community College yesterday afternoon,  but that's the easy part.

I believe this has a better chance if Council does its due diligence as quickly as it can. If this goes into next year, and Council member Hayden Phillips has a vote, he is likely to conclude that the U.N. is secretly planning to use the site as a launching pad for its black helicopters.

We're From The Private Sector and We're Here to Help

Johnston Friends Rusty Sillivan and Dana Grubb

Most people shudder when they hear, "We're from the government and we're here to help." But it was Bethlehem Township Commissioners who, at their April 1 meeting, listened as members of the private sector insisted they were there to help. That was the refrain sung by Dana Grubb and Rusty Sillivan, Directors of the recently formed "Friends of Johnston." Their group, which is in the process of forming a non-profit corporation, is interested in restoring the Archibald Johnston mansion at Housenick Park.

Archibald Johnston is Bethlehem's first Mayor and a former President of the Bethlehem Steel Company. In 1923, he built a three-story mansion on a ridge above Monocacy Creek. His grounds included manmade waterfalls, tennis courts and even the Santee Grist Mill. He called it “Camel’s Hump,” but it's now known as Housenick Park. Johnston's granddaughter, Janet Housenick, donated the mansion and 55 acres to the Township in her Will. She also bequeathed $2 million to maintain the property. Previously, she had donated 36 acres along the creek to Northampton County. Another contiguous tract, currently owned by Central Moravian Church, is reportedly under agreement of sale to a local developer. But the land is in a zoned conservation area.

After several years of intense discussion, Commissioners endorsed a detailed Master Plan for the park in 2011, laying out a course of restoration over a 10-year period. Since that time, the mansion has been weatherized, but Commissioners have been focused on the grounds.

Friends of Johnson, which is focused on restoring the mansion, were initially rebuffed by Commissioners in February. Commissioner Marty Zawarski felt that he was being "rushed", while colleague Mike Hudak worried that Commissioner would lose control over what is ultimately their responsibility.

But since that initial frosty reception, Commissioner President Paul Weiss met with Friends' Directors Dana Grubb and Rusty Sillivan. The Friends are now being treated like friends. Grubb, a freelancer with The Bethlehem Press and former Grants Administrator in Bethlehem, told Commissioners that "one of the strongest attractions a community has is its history," and described Housenick Park as a "little piece of heaven on earth."

"It's your property," Grubb assured Commissioners. "You've got to decide how we can help you. We think we can raise money."

Sillivan told Commissioners he'd like to "stabilize' the mansion, which has a leaking roof and waterlogged walls.

Commissioners and Friends agreed to meet informally at the grounds to see what could be done. Solicitor Leo DeVito advised this would be no Sunshine Act violation because members would just be gathering data, not taking any formal action.  

Barry Roth, who chairs the Recreation Board, complained that his body was "being left out of the loop again." But President Weiss assured him, "We're not trying to exclude anyone."

Although a master Plan was approved nearly two years ago, this project has a lot of cooks. In addition to the Commissioners, Recreation Board and Johnston Friends, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa was at the meeting, signalling the County's interest. Housenick Park advocate Victoria Bastidas, a recent appointee of the County's Open Space Advisory Board, also attended the meeting. Housenick Trustee Tim Brady was there as well. But they have yet to decide on what meal they'd like to prepare.

Housenick Park on Bethlehem Tp's Front Burner

Housenick Park

Two weeks ago, by a 3-2 vote, Bethlehem Township Commissioners refused to give their blessings to a group of citizens interested mostly in preserving the mansion once owned by Bethlehem's first Mayor, Archibald Johnston. It's located at Housenick Park, located off Christian Spring Road in one of the few remaining rural locations of the Township. Most of the Commissioners were unaware that they would be approached until they turned on their TVs to see Northampton County Controller Steve Barron, of all people, conduct a tour for Channel 69. According to the news account, "there are some who don't think it's worth it to keep the estate." This had to annoy Commissioners, who have adopted a mater plan precisely for that purpose.

Since that initial No, some Township Commissioners have been meeting individually with representatives of both this citizens group, as well as Executive John Stoffa. At tonight's meeting, Housenick Park is on the agenda as a "discussion" item.

Northampton County owns a conservation area adjacent to the park, and it's possible that both tracts could be combined. In addition to a $2 million trust to maintain the park, County open space money might soon be available to purchase some adjacent farmland owned by Central Moravian Church. According to some, that land is under agreement to Lou Pektor, but it is in a zoned conservation area.

Stoffa has claimed that what Mayor Johnston called Camel Hump Farm could very well become the Central Park of the Lehigh Valley. But two weeks ago, Commissioner signaled pretty strongly that they'll be making the calls. This is not out arrogance, but because they and the residents they represent are the ones holding the bag if the bottom falls out.

Barron Von Footinmouth Does It Again

Who in their right minds would turn down an offer of help from a very qualified group willing to go out and raise money to make this community a better place? The Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners. They rejected what seems, on the surface, like a wonderful offer to help restore the glory of the Archibald Johnston mansion at Housenick Park. How could they say No?

I missed it, but on the very day that this Resolution was presented to them, there was a Channel 69 news account that made them look like uncaring assholes. Of all people, Northampton County Controller Steve Barron of this Friends' group took reporter Bo Coldcock on a tour of the historic mansion, pointing out all the defects.

In addition to being a union organizer, certified fraud examiner,and asbestos investigator, Steve is also a historic preservationist. Gee, I thought he was the County's full time Controller. Silly me.

According to Coldcrock's riveting account, "some" don't think the mansion should be preserved.

Who are these "some"?

Coldcrock does not fill in that blank, creating the implication that it's the Commissioner themselves. But in 2011, it is the Commissioners who adopted a master plan that specifically calls for the restoration of the mansion.

Against this backdrop, a parade of well-meaning citizens, only one of whom actually lives in the Township, gave Commissioners the carpe diem pitch. They were stunned that Commissioners said No, but should have expected it.

You don't dis a group on the very day that you want them to give you something.

Bethlehem City Council member Karen Dolan made matters worse after the meeting, suggesting that Bethlehem annex the park. Good luck with that. All she needs to do now is take a few shots at Catholics again.

It's amazing that so many bright people can be so stupid. But with Barron von Footinmouth on board, this will happen.

Incidentally, he and Charles Dertinger are running Lamont McClure's Executive race. Callahan must have paid for that.

Volunteer at Housenick Park This Sunday

Fall Celebration at Housenick Park

Housenick Park's Bald Eagles

Nest is in center of this picture, about 60' above the ground.

After reading (probably in The Bethlehem Press) that developer Michael Perrucci has abandoned plans for a high-density luxury apartment complex next to Housenick Park, two interlopers have moved in. They refuse to pay rent, have applied for no permits and are very nasty to their neighbors.

In fact, they eat them.

Two mature bald eagles have moved into Housenick Park .

They've been spotted dining on duck as well as a Monocacy Creek sucker. So far, they've made no attempt to eat any Bethlehem Township Commissioners.

It's unclear whether this couple is married or just having a fling. Who knows, they might even be LGBT bald eagles, who moved into the area after reading (in The Bethlehem Press) about Bethlehem's new sexual orientation laws.

Perrucci Pulls Plug on Luxury Apartments in Conservation Area

Can just one person ever make a difference, especially when it comes to government?

Vicky Bastidas has made a difference, and against all odds. Developer Michael Perrucci has shelved plans for a high-density apartment complex in one of Bethlehem Township's few remaining rural areas. His decision is primarily the result of her efforts.

"You're a formidable adversary," he reportedly told her.

Nestled between Bethlehem Township's 55-acre Housenick Park and Northampton County's 36-acre Archibald Johnston Conservation Area, Perrucci originally had hoped to build 420 apartments, as well as a strip mall, on lands owned by Moravian Central Church. Located in a zoned conservation area, Perrucci would eventually need a zoning change from Commissioners.

Tom Nolan has been adamantly opposed to any zoning changes, but the remaining Commissioners were at least open to the idea. They clearly resented Bastidas, primarily because she is an outsider who lives in the City and not the Township. Earlier this month, President Paul Weiss chided her for "baseless" comments when she stated that Northampton County is interested in preserving the land. Mike Hudak disputed her claim that  the County had any interest at all in preserving the area.

But unknown to President Weiss and Hudak, Bastidas had already spoken to Northampton County Executive John Stoffa. After meeting with him on several occasions, Stoffa himself has become an enthusiastic advocate for preserving the area with the County's open space funding for environmentally sensitive land. He looks on the area as a possible "Central Park of the Lehigh Valley,"

In addition to Stoffa, Bastidas also appeared before Northampton County Council. Although there was no formal commitment or even a vote, several members expressed interest in preserving the site, if only to alleviate the increased flooding in Bethlehem downstream.  Bastidas also worked with the Nature Conservancy, Wildlands Conservancy and Monocacy Creek Watershed Association.

Development was being planned at a recharge point for the Monocacy Creek, where hundreds of small springs combine to replenish a Class A trout stream.

On a frigid February weekend, Bastidas somehow convinced Commissioners Marty Zawarski and Phil Barnard to meet with her at nearby Housenick Park. After spending five hours with her, walking through the area and fighting off frostbite, they finally agreed the entire area should be preserved if possible.

That effectively ended Perrucci's development dream.

Instead of being developed with high-density apartments, two newcomers have moved in, according to Bastidas. They have no Deed or even a lease, but a pair of bald eagles has just finished building a nest.

County Eyes Conservation Area Along Monocacy Creek

Bastidas and students at prior meeting

In early February, it looked as though developer Michael Perrucci just might get a green light for a luxury apartment complex and commercial buildings in Bethlehem Township, nestled between th 55-acre Housenick Memorial Park and Northampton County's 36-acre Archibald Johnston Conservation Area. Only Commissioner Tom Nolan was "totally opposed" to the project, which is located in a zoning conservation overlay of a rural residential area.

But after several frigid meetings with environmental activist Vicky Bastidas at Housenick Park, Commissioners Phil Barnard and Martin Zawarski announced at the March 5 Commissioners' meeting that they've have had a change of heart. They now join Nolan in opposing any deviation from the zoning conservation overlay.

This effectively stalls Perrucci's proposal.

Perrucci's proposed development, off Christian Springs Road, is located at a recharging point for the Monocacy Creek.. Hundreds of small springs, along a one mile length of the stream in that area, force ground water back to the surface, creating a Class A wild-trout stream. County officials are now weighing a purchase of this environmentally sensitive land from Central Moravian Church, its legal owner. In addition to environmental concerns, County Executive John Stoffa worries that additional development near Monocacy Creek could lead to more flooding in Bethlehem, which disrupted Musikfest last year.

One million dollars has been earmarked for environmentally sensitive land in the County's 2012 budget.

"This land does not have to be developed," Bastidas pleaded to Commissioners. "There is money for preservation of this property. Northampton County has money."

Stoffa has reportedly called these three tracts - Housenick Park, Archibald Johnston Conservation Area and Central Moravian Church lands - a "Lehigh Valley Central Park."

"I'd suggest you pursue that course with the Moravians," retorted Commissioner Michael Hudak, who disputed that the county has any interest in acquiring the tract.

President Paul Weiss warned Bastidas, "Your comments are very subjective. Some of them are baseless."

Both Weiss and Hudak, despite a 3-2 straw vote against development, urged Central Moravian Church Pastor Carol Reifinger to continue planning with developer Michael Perrucci.

"We'll regroup and decide," stated Moravian attorney Kevin Kelleher after the meeting was over.

Commissioners will meet again on Monday, March 19, 7 PM at the Municipal Building, located at 4225 Easton Avenue.

Comm'r Hudak Pulls Controversial Housenick Resolution

Vicky Bastidas and budding botanists

At their November 21 meeting, Commissioner Michael Hudak backed away from a controversial resolution that could pave the way to demolition of a three-story colonial style mansion at Housenick Park. At the request of Commissioner Tom Nolan, Hudak pulled it before the meeting started.

Once home to Archibald Johnston, Bethlehem's first Mayor and a Bethlehem Steel Company president, this unusual mansion is the cornerpiece of a 55-acre passive recreation park located along Monocacy Creek, off Christian Spring Road. This property, along with $2 million for its care, was devised to the Township by the late Janet Housnick, Johnston's granddaughter.

Hudak and the rest of Commissioners unanimously adopted a Master Plan for Housenick Park last month, which calls for the mansion's restoration. But as a result of ambiguous language in the resolution adopting the plan, Hudak proposed modifying it to give Commissioners authority to raze the building, "if found to be necessary." He also wanted to delay plans to list the property on the National Register.

After the meeting, Hudak explained himself "I've always been in favor of keeping the mansion, from Day One." His personal preference is to see the outside restored, rest rooms added, and the ground floor made available as a senior center. Hudak added that he actually wrote the Resolution that would ensure passive recreation at the park, and has been familiar with the grounds since he's been a child.

Commissioner Paul Weiss, sitting next to Hudak, agreed that Commissioners' priority is to restore the mansion, and the resolution was proposed only to give them the option if it is impossible to save the building.

Despite their intentions, Hudak's proposed resolution brought several Housenick Park defenders to the meeting. Because the resolution had been withdrawn, BOC President Arthur Murphy asked them to keep their comments under two minutes.

Township resident Andy Unger told Commissioners that Housenick Park has become a "polarizing issue. Things start and then they happen, and then they don't happen. Motions get made, then motions get recalled." Unger suggested that people need to "talk to each other in a noncritical manner."

Housenick Trustee Tim Brady, himself a former Commissioner, asked why the Housenick Master Plan, which cost the Trust over $40,000, has never been provided to the parks and recreation board. President Arthur Murphy assured Brady that copies would be distributed the very next day.

Conservationist Victoria Bastidas, who has spent weeks at Housenick Park with students, brought several with her to the podium. She told Commissioners that these budding botanists, along with members of the Monocacy Creek Watershed Association, Audubon Society, and Sierra Club, just spent the previous weekend fishing computer terminals, tires and bottles of oil out of nearby Monocacy Creek. She claimed their efforts ease the burden on Township and County workers, who have been beset by recent storms. She suggest that the creek needs to be monitored more carefully, although only a small portion of it is located within the park.
Updated 7:32 PM

A Walk in the Park? Not at Housenick Park, Sez Comm'r Hudak

A three-story colonial style mansion at Housenick Park is in danger of demolition, if a Resolution proposed by Commissioner Michael Hudak is adopted tonight. Although Commissioners just adopted a Master Plan in October that calls for the building's restoration, Hudak is now proposing demolition, "if found to be necessary." In addition, he wants to delay any plans to list the building with the National Register.

Once home to Archibald Johnston, Bethlehem's first Mayor and a Bethlehem Steel Company president, this unusual mansion is the cornerpiece of a 55-acre passive recreation park located along Monocacy Creek, off Christian Spring Road. This property, along with $2 million for its care, was devised to the Township by the late Janet Housnick, Johnston's granddaughter.

Before the Master Plan was presented to Commissioners, Hudak made clear that Housenick's largess meant little to him. "She knew what was going on," he complained during a meeting of the Housnick Committee. "She let it fall into decay. Why didn't she have somebody fix the ceiling? It was never kept up over the years."

Although initially voting to accept this Master Plan, Hudak successfully persuaded Commissioner Arthur Murphy and Paul Weiss to join him in dissolving the Housenick Committee. "We've developed many parks in the Township, without the help of an outside Committee," he reasoned.

Then, in early November, Hudak interrupted an organized weekend walk at Housenick Park. He claimed  fundraising was going on, which would require a municipal permit 60 days in advance. Insurance, too. Walk organizers deny there was any fund-raising, but canceled to avoid needless controversy. A Bethlehem attorney has stated such a requirement for a simple, pre-arranged walk in the park, runs afoul of the First Amendment's freedom of assembly.

Now Hudak is, bit-by-bit, dismantling the very plan he voted to approve, knowing that the Committee responsible for it has been disbanded.

Township Commissioners will consider Hudak's resolution tonight, 7 PM, at the Township Municipal Building,  located at 4225 Easton Avenue.

Bethlehem Township Comm'rs Dissolve Housenick Park Committee

At their October 3 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners had nothing but praise for a citizens' group informally known as the Housenick Committee. This group conducted six meetings to develop a master plan for a passive recreation park on a 55-acre estate located along Monocacy Creek, off Christian Spring Road. In addition, they recommended restoring a three-story colonial style mansion at the site. After thanking them profusely for their "great job," Commissioners disbanded them in a 3-2 vote.

The property in question was devised to the Township by the late Janet Housnick. Her grandfather, Archibald Johnston, was Bethlehem's first Mayor and a Bethlehem Steel Company president who built the mansion on grounds he called Camel's Hump. In addition to the property, Housenick also provided $2 million for the park and mansion.

Housenick Committee members and their supporters, who packed the standing-room only meeting, had made clear that they wanted to remain a part of the park's future, which includes a 420-unit apartment complex proposed right next to the park, on land that is zoned rural residential and is located in a conservation district as well. That was one of their formal recommendations.

But Commissioners Michael Hudak, Arthur Murphy and Paul Weiss thought otherwise.

"I see no reason to keep the Housenick Committee intact," stated Murphy, who said that "staff" and the Township's Recreation Committee would take it from here. "We've developed many parks in the Township, without the help of an outside Committee," added Hudak. The week before that, at the final meeting of the Housenick Committee, Hudak had unsuccessfully tried to stop them from discussing the 420-unit apartment complex, calling it a "Township issue."

Jerry Batcha, who will be stepping down from the Board at the end of this year, argued in favor of keeping the Housenick Committee active, especially in view of the "unique nature" of the park. He noted that Housenick Committee member Tim Brady is also a member of the Trust overseeing distribution of funds, and resides in a home at the park. People like Brady, stated Batcha, would "keep their eye on the ball."

As Commissioners discussed the dissolution of the Committee, members like Vicky Bastidas and Thaddeus Encelewski raised their hands, hoping for a chance to speak, but were ignored by Murphy, who serves as the Commissioners' president. When Encelewski pointed to Bastidas, Murphy cut him short. "I'm sorry. This is where we're talking," stated Murphy.

Tim Brady

Earlier in the meeting, the public did have an opportunity to speak during "courtesy of the floor." Tim Brady told them it would be a "huge mistake" to rezone that area to permit an apartment complex, as well as a strip mall, noting that flooding during rainstorms often results in the closing of local roads. Katherine Wood, owner of a dry-cleaning business in nearby Bethlehem Village East Shopping Center, condemned plans to create another strip mall on the other side. "We have enough strip malls," she stated, noting that there are many business vacancies in the area.

Commissioner Paul Weiss, however, chided the audience, stating he "takes offense" at the notion that a high density housing project next to the park will be approved. "We're getting hung out to dry and there's nothing before us," he complained.

Weiss, along Michael Hudak and Arthur Murphy voted to dissolve the Housenick Committee. Just two weeks earlier, these same three Commissioners were favorably impressed when developer Michael Perrucci pitched a 420-unit apartment complex next to the park. At that time, Murphy had stated that the Moravian Church, which still owns the property, has a "God given right to do whatever they want with it."

Batcha and Thomas Nolan voted against dissolving the Housenick Committee, with Nolan stating "A very clear No."

After voting to put them out of business, Commissioners unanimously agreed to send letters of appreciation to Housenick Committee members. They also approved a plan that calls for $1.7 million in improvements to the park, with another $1 million for mansion restoration as a public use. The plan envisions 2.29 miles of walking trails, a pavilion, trail head and public restrooms.

Michael Adams, an Allentown resident who lived for ten years in the Township and states he "still cares," was visibly upset at Murphy's refusal to allow the public to speak on an agenda item. He noted that Allentown uses an "egg timer" and only allows three minutes, but lets everyone to speak on agenda items. "To deny the public the right to address an agenda item is Soviet-style democracy," he declared.

But President Arthur Murphy has an unlikely ally. His Republican opponent in this Fall's election, Martin Zawarski, agrees with the decision to disband the Housenick Committee. "The Township has a fine recreation committee that looks over a lot of parcels that the Township has under its control," he stated. "I don't think there is a need for further input from a third-party source."

Township Comm'r Bashes Park Benefactor: Discourages Discussion of 420-Unit Apartment Complex

It's not often that an elected official will bash a person who donates $2 million and a 55-acre tract to his own township. But that's exactly what Bethlehem Township Commissioner Michael Hudak did during a Septemebr 22 meeting to discuss Housenick Park. Here's the story.

When Archibald Johnston, Bethlehem's first Mayor and one-time President of Bethlehem Steel retired in 1927, it was to what he called "Camel's Hump," a large tract along the Monocacy Creek. It included a three-story mansion that the engineer designed and built himself. He spent his last twenty years calling himself a "farmer," but still had The New York Times delivered daily from the open cockpit of an airplane.

Johnston's granddaughter, Janet Housenick, would later convey 36 acres of Camel's Hump to Northampton County as the Archibald Johnston Conservation area. In her Will, she devised another 55 acres, including the mansion, to Bethlehem Township as a park. She also set aside $2 million for the Township to maintain the property.

But Housenick's largess to Bethlehem Township meant little to Commissioner Michael Hudak, who attended the last of seven public meetings conducted by Pennonni engineer Evan Stone and MKSD architect Kim Labrake on September 22.

"She knew what was going on," he complained. "She let it fall into decay. Why didn't she have somebody fix the ceiling? It was never kept up over the years."

One Township resident, Christine Murray, quietly answered, "Did she not leave $2 million to the Township? Is that not something?"

Dr. John Yaswinski, a local veterinarian who grew up in the area and still lives there, has no doubt about the potential of this park and mansion. "People are going to come here," he said, adding that "it would be a real crime not to seize this opportunity." Dr. Yaswinski stated that the park and mansion could actually generate income for the Township from wedding rentals. Other ideas floated included chamber concerts at the mansion, as well as a bed and breakfast.

The Master Plan will be presented to Commissioners on October 3. It is estimated that improvements to the park, phased in over the next ten years, will cost around $1.7 million. Costs for restoration of the mansion will depend on which of several options is approved by Commissioners, but the cost of keeping it in place is estimated at $71,000.

During the meeting, Stone stressed that no Township funds will be expended for these improvements. Costs will be paid by the Housenick Estate, and Stone indicated that the property might be eligible for DCNR and RACP grants.

In addition to money, some of the improvements will be the work of volunteers. Vicky Bastidas, a member of the Housenick Committee, Produced a letter from Brain Williams, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech, who called the park "a great opportunity to create a living classroom for many of our programs. We can provide student labor to offset the costs of the project." She also mentioned a similar offer from Northampton Community College.

When Stone recommends a final plan to Commissioners on October 3, it will include a recommendation that this Committee be "actively involved" in the proposed development of a tract right next to the park. Developer Michael Perrucci has proposed a 420-unit apartment complex at that location, even though it is in a conservation district and in an area zoned "rural residential." His plan would require both rezoning and changes to the Township's Comprehensive Plan.

Hudak, an advocate of this development, objected to this recommendation. "What would be the advantage of that?" he asked. "The park committee does not really need to be involved in zoning issues."

But Township resident Christine Murray disagreed. "I'm really sad that there's going to be 420 apartments there. The quality of this park is really going to go down." She referred to the area as a "magical little spot. We really should protect it."

Hudak attempted to discourage comments about the proposed Perrucci development, calling it a "township issue." But Township resident Barry Roth, a recent appointee to the Planning Commission, continued the discussion. "If you want to see what it will look like, go to the Township Park and see the houses ringing around it. You need to come to meetings."

That sentiment was echoed by Commissioner Tom Nolan, who claims he "was hooked" on Housenick park after one visit. He called it a "hidden jewel," and urged people to make themselves heard.

"It is important for people who have an opinion, for or against, to come and express that opinion."

After the meeting was over, Commissioner Hudak continued complaining about Housenick. "She lived 100 yards from that house and never spent a dime," he stated. He's also upset that members of the Housenick committee like Vicky Bastidas, who has offered student labor, are not Township residents. He stated that, instead of the mansion, he "prefers to concentrate on the grounds."

"My first concern is that the park be developed for the people," he stated.

Three Bethlehem Tp Comm'rs Change Course on Perrucci Plan

When developer Michael Perrucci appeared before Bethlehem Township Commissioners at their May 16 meeting, he received a chilly reception. He'd like to build a 420-unit luxury apartment complex and commercial buildings in one of the last remaining rural areas of the township. Located right next to Housenick Memorial Park, and close to County-owned park land, Perrucci wants three-story highrises in a conservation area that is zoned rural residential. His plan would require both zoning changes and modifications to a 2004 comprehensive plan.

Perrucci was back before Township Commissioners at their September 19 meeting. Despite the absence of any intervening public meetings concerning this project, three Commissioners suddenly seemed much more receptive than they were in May. Before the night was over, Commissioner Michael Hudak was openly advocated the plans and sparring with the two Commissioners who still had reservations.

Accompanying Perrucci was his General Counsel, Steve Santola, who spoke about other Woodmont developments in the area. He indicated a trend towards apartment living by people who do so as a matter of choice. To prove his point, he stated that 54% of his Bethlehem units have an average household income of $70,000, and 30% have an average household income of $90,000. He spoke of amenities attracting young professionals that include a pool, fitness center and club.

Perrucci told Commissioners he'd install walking paths from his apartment complex to the park, a 55-acre tract off of Christian Spring Road, which includes a mansion that was once home to Bethlehem's first Mayor, Archibald Johnston. The late Janet Johnston Housenick devised the property to the Township.

She also donated an adjoining 36 acres to Northampton County as a conservation area, and concerns over the proposed development brought Northampton County Council member Ron Angle down from the Slate Belt. "I would think this would be a bad move," Angle said. "Your citizens need a place to go, where they can walk along that magnificent creek." Speaking of Janet Johnston Housenick, whose Will gave the Township that land as a "natural area," Angle doubted whether "she was thinking you'd want to change your zoning next door and put in another 400 units."

On May 19, Hudak had told Perrucci that a consensus at Housenick Park meetings was to keep the area "low impact." But on September 19, Hudak stated there were "natural buffers" to shield the park from the apartment complex, and that development is inevitable. His only request was that the buildings have a "rustic look."

Unlike Hudak, Commissioner Jerry Batcha is adamantly opposed to the high-density development. Waiving the Township's 2004 Comprehensive Plan, he noted that the tract is zoned rural residential, which would only allow for limited development. Batcha added that the area is also in a conservation overlay district, which was designed to conserve the quality of Monocacy Creek and protect environmentally sensitive habitats. He added that traffic in that area would present public safety concerns.

"It's almost hypocritical when communities or people say, 'We're going to preserve open space,' until there's money to be made from it by somebody down the road. Is this going to be a conservation district or not?" asked Batcha.

Agreeing with Batcha, Commissioner Thomas Nolan noted there is "great concern" among those planning Housenick Park, and added he still regards a nearby high-density development "very negatively."

Although agreeing with Hudak that development is inevitable, Commissioner Paul Weiss stated he is still a "little bit concerned" about the traffic a 420-unit apartment complex would unleash on Rte 191. "That's a lot of traffic," he said.

President Arthur Murphy, noting that the Moravian Church is the current owner of the land that Perrucci would like to develop, stated they have a "God-given right to do whatever they want with it." Like Hudak and Weiss, Murphy believes the land will eventually be developed anyway.

Tim Brady, a member of the Housenick Advisory Committee, Housenick Estate trustee, member of the Moravian Church and a former Commissioner, suggested that the Township open its comprehensive plan, but require Perrucci to foot the bill. He added that the Deed to the Moravian Church contains no restrictions. But he also noted that seven months before her death, Janet Johnston Housenick opposed an attempt by her sister to have an area of Bethlehem rezoned to permit more dense development.

Commissioners took no action on Perrucci's plan, but three out of five indicated they view it favorably. Perrucci indicated that he would be willing to submit a less dense plan, was looking for a "middle ground," and wants to work with the community.

Photo: Steve Santola explains the advantages of apartment life, as developer Mike Perrucci listens.