Fast Food and 24-Hour Gas Coming to Bethlehem Township

From farmland leases to commercial property, Bethlehem Township Commissioners devoted most of their June 4 meeting to questions of land use. Most importantly, they approved a zoning amendment that will allow  24-hour gas stations, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants in its busiest business districts. Areas affected include William Penn Highway and Route 191, near highway interchanges.

24-hour convenience stores approved

Developer Lou Pektor requested the zoning change for a 50,000 square-feet commercial development to be located directly across the street from Farmersville Elementary School. He is planning a Scheetz gas station at that location.

Attorney Dave Backenstoe, representing Pektor, called the proposed zoning change near an Interchange an example of "smart growth."  But resident Barry Roth questioned how smart it is when fast food restaurants and gas stations are located across the street from an elementary school. "My main concern is those kids and that crossing guard," he warned.

Tino Calantoni is a partner in William Penn Apartments, located adjacent to Pektor's proposed development. "I am in favor of this," he stated. "I think it's good for the Township, good for the area."  Attorney Joseph Bubba echoed Calantoni's argument,. He represents Dr. Atul Amin, who has property located inside the proposed zoning district.

But Township resident and developer Abe Atiyeh had numerous concerns. He questioned how many residents even knew of the pending zoning change. He predicted that overdevelopment will lead to an increase in traffic. And 24-hour operations will lead to an increase in crime.

Atiyeh warns crime will increase

"You're corrupting this neighborhood, guys," Atiyeh charged, adding that a 24-hour Scheetz gas station on Schoenersville Road has to employ security guards on weekends. He suggested limiting hours of operation.

President Paul Weiss told Atiyeh that Township police reviewed the call records at a 24-hour Sunoco gas station on William Penn Highway, as well as the McDonald's on Route 191. "Crime is not an issue," Weiss stated.

Weiss also addressed traffic concerns, noting there will be additional traffic lights to encourage safety. He added that Pektor will be required by state officials to minimize the impact of any increased traffic.

Commissioner Michael Hudak echoed Weiss, noting that a traffic light at the school will slow down the traffic. In fact, he stated there will be five traffic lights in the span of a mile. "I'm not overly concerned with danger to the school," he concluded.

Although Commissioner Tom Nolan agreed with Weiss and Hudak that this zoning change would allow for "proper growth," Commissioner Phil Barnard stated he already sits for 30-minutes in William Penn Highway. And like resident Barry Roth, he sees elementary school children along the road, waiting for the bus while cars drive by in excess of the posted speed limit. "There should be some concerns, especially with a convenience store being open 24 hours." he reasoned.

Following a public hearing, Commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt the zoning amendment permitting 24-hour convenience stores and fast-food restaurants in a newly created Commercial Enhancement Overlay District.

Barnard cast the sole dissenting vote.

From fast food restaurants to farmland leases  

How much is farmland worth?  Some might say it's priceless. But Bethlehem Township Commissioners decided on a much lower figure. They unanimously approved a $300 annual lease with Koehler Farms for an 8-acre tract, located off flood-prone Wilson Avenue, near the Lehigh Canal tow path.

That brought Abe Atiyeh to his feet. "It should be bid," he objected., noting he gets $125 per acre for farmland he owns in Moore Township. "Do it professionally and have six farmers bid it and advertise it and get the best dollar you can."

Hudak questions wisdom of public bid for farmland

"Actually, you're not going to get six farmers to bid," responded Commissioner Michael Hudak, who lives about a mile away from the site.  "It's too far away from any other working farm to be cost effective to run equipment out there to plant and harvest crops." Hudak added that only 5 of the 8 acres  are actually farmable. The remaining 3 acres are woodlands

Public Works Director Richard Grube warned Commissioners, "It's going to cost you a helluva' lot more money for us to maintain it. And we're not in a position to maintain any more than we're doing right now."

Commissioner Tom Nolan suggested that the leases be reviewed at budget time to see if public bidding wold be advantageous. But right now, "It's not broken so why try to fix it?"

Planner Kevin Edinger pointed out that  Wilson Avenue is virtually impassable for most farm equipment.

Summer Re-Paving to Begin

In other business, Bethlehem Township Commissioners unanimously approved a road re-paving contract with ReCon Construction for $124,866.50 for a series of roads located off 7th Street. These include Grenier, Trythall, Orth and Dewalt Streets.

E.J. Brenemen, a second and unsuccessful bidder, wanted $140,263.50.

According to Township Manager Howard Kutzler, liquid fuels tax revenue will be used to pave the way.