Erie County Exec: Nursing Homes Albatross Around Taxpayer Necks

Erie County is hoping to save money by consolidating its nursing homes, but has just learned it will have to pay $400,000 for a sprinkler system upgrade at a facility it will soon close. Federal mandate.

Sounding eerily similar to former County Council member Ron Angle, Erie County Exec called these county-owned nursing homes "a real albatross around the taxpayers' necks."

Teachers' Union: “So What?” to 85% Increase In ASD Spending

From Allentown School District Director Scott Armstrong: "The true nature and agenda of the ASD teachers’ union leadership was on display at the April 19th ASD finance meeting when Frank Nickischer of the teacher’s union responded with a 'so what?' to my expressed concern that spending in the district had increased by 85% in the past decade. The comment was part of an ongoing dialogue over a cost saving plan that would facilitate increased time for math studies by combining social studies and language arts. In an ideal world there would be unlimited funds to do it all. Unfortunately that is not the world we live in and those charged with the task of governing cannot make responsible decisions based on desire but must work within the confines of what is fiscally responsible. Clearly the teachers' union doesn’t get it and one can draw the logical conclusion that they expect the taxpayers to pony up endlessly to pay for their failing field of dreams which is in short modern public education.

Robert Lasso: Fallen, But Not Forgotten

DA John Morganelli with Pat Tallarico, Lasso's mother-in-law

August 11, 2011. Freemansburg police officer Robert Lasso was shot and killed in the line of duty. He left a widow and two young children. They will never know their father.

Today, Bethlehem police hosted a 5k in Lasso's honor. Over three hundred runners - many of them from the law enforcement community -participated. Some brought their dogs, or pushed babies in strollers.

One bottom-feeding blogger ran, too.

Having years of experience running from cops, I expected to win. But my grandson's dog, Suki, kept slowing me down.

The little mutt couldn't keep up.

On top of that, two NorCo deputies had keeled over in the final mile. So I had to sling them over my shoulders and finish the race with them and the dog.

When I crossed the line, DA John Morganelli was standing there, grinning. He had beaten me by two minutes. So had Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan.

But Hizzoner's pretty daughter beat us all.

The overall race winner, I believe, was Freemansburg Mayor Gerald Yob. He ran in his suit.

The big hit at this race?

The mounted police, of course. Pharo was eating up all the attention from kids and moms.

The Two Mayors:

John Callahan and winner Gerald Yob! He didn't even break a sweat!

Pharo Loves All the Attention!

Hey! What About Me?

I ran the frickin' race, while fleabag Pharo took it EZ. 

Atiyeh Files NIZ Challenge

Bethlehem Township developer Abe Atiyeh has joined the chorus of NIZ litigants, according to a story broken by Express Times' Colin McEvoy.

In a two-count Complaint filed today, Atiyeh has asked the Commonwealth Court to set aside "special" legislation designed to benefit Allentown at the expense of other municipalities, increasing his own tax burden.

Atiyeh, like Bethlehem and Hanover Townships, argues that the legislative framework for the NIZ is unconstitutional for two reasons.

First, it violates a constitutional prohibition of "special" legislation, laws that give favorable treatment to one municipality at the expense of everyone else. A NIZ can only be establish is a city of the third class with "a population of at least î06,000 and not more than 107,000, based upon the 2000 Federal decennial census.” Only Allentown that description. And it's a closed class that can never include any other municipality.

Second, the NIZ legislation violates the Uniformity Clause. It fails to identify who is being taxed and at what rate. It instead systematically and deliberately diverts EIT revenues due to other municipalities, even though those funds are "critical to performing their legislative functions."

In addition to seeking a declaratory judgment that the NIZ legislation is unconstitutional,Atiyeh is asking for injunctive relief against a project that "could have disastrous consequences on local municipalities.

The suit, filed by Doylestown Attorney John VanLuvanee, names the Commonwealth, Governor, Department of Revenue, Attorney General, Auditor General and State Treasurer as Defendants.

A copy is below.

Schossberg: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the NIZ

Mike Schlossberg, who has no opponent in his state house race for Jenn Mann's seat, will take office in January. Since his district is mostly in Allentown, he obviously supports the Neighborhood Improvement Zone. Here's how he answered my questions.

1) Do you support the NIZ? - Yes, absolutely.

2) Are you willing to repeal the Allentown tax grab under which the EIT of surrounding municipalities can be used to finance a hockey arena, and other improvements over a 30-year period? - No. As State Representative, I would be more than happy to work with each and every municipality in order to ensure that their EIT revenue is returned as soon as possible. As I understand, the settlement offered by the city would, in fact, provide the municipalities with their EIT revenue up-front, and I hope that this resolves their concerns.

3) Are you willing to impose a restriction that would prevent the poaching of other LV businesses within a 25-mile radius of the NIZ?  - Let me turn this question around - when suburban greenfields or farmlands are developed with the help of government funding, or subsidized by tax dollars in the form of road and infrastructure improvements, are those developments banned from recruiting city businesses? Of course not. So no, I would not support such a ban.

4) Are you willing to insist on a requirement that all new businesses moving into the NIZ agree to pay a living wage to its workforce? - Absolutely, but that has nothing todo with the NIZ. as the link you sent me clearly demonstrates, minimum wage is insufficient to support one adult in Lehigh County, let alone someone with a family. To me, that is unacceptable.

Northampton County Council To Take Up NIZ in May

During Wednesday's Finance Committee, NorCo Council Prez John Cusick pointed to numerous problems with the way the Allentown Neighborhood Zone was created. While Townships and Boroughs have objected to a diversion of EIT to help finance the arena and office buildings, Cusick is worried that the subsidized rents in the City Without Limits will have a negative impact on commercial rentals in Northampton County. This could lead major commercial landholders to seek assessment reductions, depriving the County of needed property tax revenue.

Of all the arguments I've heard against the NIZ in recent weeks, Cusick provided perhaps the best analysis I've heard to date.

It might have been too good.

At Thursday night's Council meeting, former Council member Ron Angle spoke during courtesy of the floor. Before addressing the NIZ itself, Angle teed off on Cusick for his absence from the LVEDC meeting at which the NIZ was endorsed.

Cusick, a teacher, has delegated that responsibility to his VP, Peg Ferraro.

She missed the meeting as well, noting it was her first absence this year.

"It's great to grandstand, but you were needed there to cast your vote," Angle chided Cusick.

Despite antagonizing his former Council members (he also took a cheap shot at Scott Parsons later in the meeting over something else), Angle actually did agree with him about the NIZ.

"The only two people making out on this are Ed Pawlowski, with his campaign contributions, and his developer friend, who got all the sweetheart deals," Angle barked. He also credited Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan for his vote against endorsing the NIZ. " He sets there with Martin Tower. Do you think he's ever going to be able to fill Martin Tower while they're giving away square footage over in Allentown, right down the road?"

Angle wanted Council to vote to sue then and there. "I would hope you'd wake up today. Somebody wasn't awake yesterday," he argued, mixing personal animosity with legitimate points.

Instead of responding to Angle, Cusick's reaction was to move onto something else.

I pretty much thought that was the end of it. But just before the meeting ended, Council member Barb Thierry raised the same concerns already expressed by Cusick, Bob Werner, and to some extent, Scott Parsons. Thierry suggested adopting a resolution, and Cusick agreed that Council will consider the matter during its first meeting in May.

That will be too late for a formal intervention, but the County would still be able to file its own lawsuit, submit an amicus brief or decide to address the LV delegation among state lawmakers.

J.B. Reilly Courting Cigars Internatonal For NIZ?

Although I've been unable to get confirmation from Craig Reynolds at Cigars International, very reliable sources tell me that Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) developer J.B. Reilly is courting this company to move into the NIZ.

Its state tax revenue makes it a very attractive tenant.

Cigars International is currently operating at a 115,000 square feet facility within Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII, which is part of Bethlehem's 1600-acre brownfield.

Can you justify poaching a business that pays taxes from a brownfield in Bethlehem to a subsidized site in Allentown, where it will pay none?

Where Are Our Leaders?

French politician Alexandre Auguste Ledru-Rollin is the character blamed for once saying, "There go the people. I must follow them, for I am their leader." All too many politicians have their fingers in the air, waiting to see which way the wind is blowing. The controversy concerning Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone is a perfect illustration.

Israeli generals, Bethlehem Township Commissioners and Hanover Township Supervisors, all lead from the front. But state lawmakers in the LV delegation have been avoiding the NIZ.

Some of their local counterparts have avoided this fight, too.

Yesterday, when LVEDC voted to endorse the Neighborhood Improvement Zone, three of our so-called local leaders were conspicuously MIA, unwilling to stake out a position. Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham, Easton Mayor Sal Panto and Northampton County Exec John Stoffa all took a powder.

In fact, at yesterday's Finance Committee hearing in Northampton County, Executive John Stoffa asked Council to tell him his position.

Stoffa, Panto and Cunningham are three of my favorites. But they were all elected to lead from the front, not the rear. In avoiding this issue, which can have a very negative impact on their own tax base, they do a disservice to us all.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan has been criticized heavily on this blog over the past two years. But yesterday, agree or disagree, he led from the front.

That's leadership.

Where Are LV Legislators On the NIZ?

Democrats don't want to piss off construction unions. Republicans don't want to piss off majority Whip Pat Browne or the handful of rich guys who will get richer from Allentown's NIZ. As a result, on both sides of the aisle, state reps have been ducking questions about this topic. Even candidates like Leslie Altieri seem to be talking out of both sides of her mouth.

I think it's time they take a stand. I've sent these questions, both to LV lawmakers and their opponents in the upcoming election.

1) Do you support the NIZ?

2) Are you willing to repeal the Allentown tax grab under which the EIT of surrounding municipalities can be used to finance a hockey arena, and other improvements over a 30-year period?

3) Are you willing to impose a restriction that would prevent the poaching of other LV businesses within a 25-mile radius of the NIZ?

4) Are you willing to insist on a requirement that all new businesses moving into the NIZ agree to pay a living wage to its workforce?

So far, I have two answers. On Friday, I'll begin posting their answers or refusal to respond.

Cusick Blasts Allentown NIZ

John Cusick

Although it is unclear whether Northampton County will formally intervene, Council President John Cusick led a chorus that bashed Allentown's NIZ at a Finance Committee meeting yesterday. He did so in response to a question from Exec John Stoffa, who asked Council for some guidance on the issue.

First, Cusick stated he was "shocked" to learn that Allentown was chosen as the location for the arena, stating other sites in South Bethlehem and along Route 33 were demonstrably better. He claimed someone had "tipped the scales."

Second, Cusick complained that they were kept in the dark about the funding mechanism that would be used to fiance an arena in Allentown. He suspects that those who did know could probably be counted on one hand.

Third, Cusick has a problem with diverting state taxes to fund a hockey arena while simultaneously cutting human services to the counties by 20-30%.

Fourth, Cusick objects to taking money from some of the municipalities. "They're potentially losing EIT money to fund things like parks and police and local services." 

Fifth, from an economic development standpoint, Cusick wonders how we can compete. "How does somebody who wants to develop office space  in Northampton County compete with subsidized space in the City of Allentown? I think it puts us at a competitive disadvantage in terms of economic development against the advantages that have been artificially created in the City of Allentown."

Sixth, Cusick is offended by legislation that applies to only one City in the state.

Scott Parsons suggested that maybe he should talk to his state senator, Pat Browne, who proposed this legislation. "How do you think I'll make out with that?" he asked, with a touch of sarcasm.

Bob Werner

Bob Werner stated he agrees with Cusick's concerns. "I think the methodology used was wrong and unfair. We are supposed to be the Lehigh Valley, a coalition of people working together. The last thing you need is a back door opened to policies that will take and strip our earned income tax.

"We will lose money based n the fact that the revenue sources are going to go there and leave the area, and that includes people that are in Allentown itself. They will lose within Allentown. They will lose monetary value. They will have to reduce rentals and leases t keep up with it. 

"But I personally take a great deal of offense to the way it was handled."

Parsons and Stoffa expressed some concern about taking an official position, but Werner suggested it be done.

South Whitehall Suing A-town, But Not Declaring War

Christina Morgan

In addition to commercial developers Don Frederick and Tom Roma, last night's meeting of South Whitehall Township's Commissioners drew some interest from elsewhere.

Paul Weiss, President of Bethlehem Township's Board, whispered a loud "Yes" when the unanimous vote to join in the NIZ challenge came down. If settlement negotiations with Allentown were going well, I doubt he would have made the trip.

In addition to Weiss, Brad Osborne was in the house. He chairs Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners, and listened intently to the points being made.

Christina Morgan, President of South Whitehall's Board, explained that Commissioners still support Allentown's efforts at revitalization, but they have an obligation to "properly manage our own economic stability." South Whitehall remains hopeful that a settlement can be reached "that works for all the parties involved."

Jon Hammer

Township Manager Jon Hammer cautioned that The Township has no intention of bringing the Hammer.

"It's been said that the NIZ is the most powerful economic development tool on the East coast. Whoever made that statement is probably right. This NIZ legislation has the ability to stimulate great amount of economic development for the City of Allentown, and I think we can all agree that a healthy City of Allentown is good for our region.

"However, tonight, South Whitehall Township Comm'rs voted to authorize that we intervene in the litigation against the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone.

"Please do not view this action as a declaration of war against the City, or a proliferation of this City versus Suburb nonsense. It is not.

"We view this action tonight as an opportunity for South Whitehall to reserve a spot at the table to bridge the dispute that needs to be settled while also preserving our ability to protect our own interest.

"It is not our intention ... to stop the arena project. Lines of communication are open. In the past 24-48 , I've talked to people on all sides of this dispute, at the highest levels. I believe there is common ground, and that common ground can provide a foundation for a resolution to this issue."

Michael Donovan Now Disgusted By NIZ

Former Allentown City Council member Michael Donovan is disgusted. A one-time supporter of Allentown's NIZ, he's had a change of heart. "I am ashamed that I encouraged AEDC to move forward with this project by spending money for research, only to have it co-opted by the financial interests of a few, selfish players."

Commercial Developers: NIZ a "Destructive Monster"

South Whitehall Township Commissioners voted unanimously last night to join seven Northampton County communities in challenging the NIZ. Municipalities are concerned about the deprivation of EIT over the next 30 years. Instead of going into their coffers, that money will be used to fund a hockey arena and office buildings in downtown Allentown and along the riverfront. But there's another adverse consequence to the NIZ, and this one might be worse than Allentown's tax grab.

Two of the Lehigh Valley's most respected commercial developers, Don Frederick and Tom Roma, expressed their concerns to Commissioners last night. Here's what they have to say.

Don Frederick

Don Frederick (as in the Frederick Group. He's 82 years old, and tells me he's spent the last 52 of them peddling real estate).

"I am here as the managing partner for our family partnership, which owns a 90,000 square foot office building at 3500 Winchester Road.

"Our primary concern about the tax subsidized zone is the negative effect it will have on our building and, ultimately, South Whitehall Township and the Parkland School District. In a few months, we will be paying $120,000 in taxes. We're gonna' need rent to pay for that.

"The value of our property is based on the rental income we receive. Because there is currently a large oversupply of office space available, the tax subsidized zone will worsen the office market with its lower rent prices, thereby depressing the value of office buildings. [Frederick told me his tenants are already negotiating cheaper prices and threatening to head off to the NIZ].

"Obviously, we owners will have no choice but to seek lower assessments to reduce our real estate taxes.

"Therefore, I respectfully request, on behalf of my family and myself, that you seek guidance from your Solicitor, Att'y Joseph Zator, on filing a lawsuit that, at a minimum, would require tax subsidized properties to only lease space to tenants from a radius of 25 miles outside the tax subsidized zone."

The NIZ & J.B. Reilly

Tom Roma (as in Roma Corporate Center. He's older than dirt, too):

"In this total NIZ discussion, it has been mentioned that the framers of this law were out to do something evil.  I don't believe that at all. They were trying to do a very noble thing, and that is to increase and resurrect downtown areas of cities in the state. However, I think the law was very poorly written and ill-conceived. 

"It wasn't their intention to write a law that was going to siphon off the real estate values of the suburbs and take them into the city. But unfortunately, that is what is happening. 

"Dr. Frankenstein started off to build a human being from discarded parts. He was trying to do something noble for the world. But what he developed unknowingly was a destructive monster. 

"In my opinion, the way the NIZ law is written is exactly that. It is a destructive monster. 

"It's going to, among other things, siphon off wage tax money, which you already know. But also, it's going to have an effect on reducing commercial real estate values, not only in South Whitehall Township, but all the other townships around the city. The result of that is that the value of commercial real estate will be reduced. And as a result of that, the tax revenue, both for South Whitehall and for every other Township will be reduced, as will the County itself and a much larger amount for the school boards, which are going to come up on the short end of the stick.

"At a meeting I attended last week, several people mentioned that we should go into a negotiation mode. Let's talk to the state and the city and try to talk to them in a friendly tone. 

"My opinion? I think it's too late for that. I think that ship has sailed. I think the only approach we should take now is litigation. If the Township is suggesting that legal action be started one way or the other, I would strongly support that."

Kool-Aid First NIZ Tenant From Outside Lehigh Valley

Flanked by developer JB Reilly, Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski today announced the first new tenant for the Neighborhood Improvement Zone from outside the Lehigh Valley.

Kraft Foods, Inc. will relocate its Kool-Aid division to a Reilly-owned office building in the NIZ. A Kraft spokesperson stated, "We are pleased to announce that we will make Allentown the headquarters for Kool-Aid. Our market research indicates that there is a higher per capita consumption of Kool-Aid in Allentown than anywhere else in the country.

"It's a natural fit for Kool-Aid. A product that's cheap, has virtually no nutritional value, and is loaded with artificial ingredients aligns perfectly with everything we've heard about Allentown."

As part of the lease agreement, Pawlowski has agreed to appear in various media campaigns for Kool-Aid. Said a proud Pawlowski, "The transformation of Allentown is now reality!"

"I love it, too!" shouted Allentown City Council member, Chamber of Commerce Exec and State Rep. Elect Mike Schlossberg. "Look what it's done for me!"

Why LVEDC's Exec Committee Supports the NIZ

The Express Times tells us that LVEDC, the Lehigh Valley's supposed economic development engine, has endorsed Allentown's 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). This happened even though it allows Allentown to grab EIT owed to other municipalities, This happened even though the subsidized rents within the NIZ will create an uneven playing field for commercial real estate developers in the rest of the Lehigh Valley.

Why?

Let me explain. LVEDC, like faux grass roots group RenewLV and Alan Jennings' CACLV, is a creature of the Lehigh Valley Partnership. That's an aging collection of rich white guys who think they run the Lehigh Valley, and maybe they do. LVEDC, RenewLV and CACLV are three fronts for the Partnership, just like a pizza shop can be a front for the mob.

On Tuesday, five Partnership bluebloods got together and decided that LVEDC needs to endorse the NIZ. After all, what's good for Allentown is good for the Lehigh Valley.

Even if it isn't.

After getting its marching orders, LVEDC prostrated itself before an unelected aristocracy yet again. Who knows? Maybe Alan Jennings will write yet another op-ed claiming he "walks the walk."

Secretive as always, LVEDC declines to reveal its exact vote, but Chair Don Bernhard huffs that it was not close.  Then he went off to play golf.

Summer hours, you know.

Well, I have the numbers.

The vote was 14-2 in support of the NIZ. But the two No votes come from pretty powerful people.

One of the Nos comes from Richard Thulin, who is slated to take over as LVEDC's Chair next year.

The other No vote?

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan.

I'm sorry, but if the Mayor of the Lehigh Valley's most successful city has concerns, this bullshit endorsement is meaningless.

South Whitehall to Join NIZ Litigation

I'll have a detailed report later.

Altieri Flip Flops on NIZ

Leslie Altieri is seeking the Democratic nomination to oppose Marcia hahn for State Representative. When I spoke to her at Friday's forum on the state budget, she was critical of Hahan's 2011 vote for the NIZ. "Altieri was also critical of the NIZ legislation, which Hahn supported in a 2011 vote.

"We don't need to make those investments if it's taking away from other people who directly need our help now," Altieri said at the time. In fact, I recorded her to make sure I would not misquote her.

Now, according to what is apparently a public statement on her Facebook Page, Altieri claims she supports the NIZ.

"I would like to take this opportunity to state that I am in full support of the development of the Neighborhood Improvement Zone in Allentown which will include the new Phantom’s hockey arena. I believe that this will promote job and business growth in the Lehigh Valley – starting from the construction which will employ many skilled and outstanding union workers, to bringing in many new businesses which will hire local employees and create significant positive financial impacts.

"The NIZ is a permanent investment in the future of both the Lehigh Valley and for Allentown. Since the time when I first moved to Bethlehem back in 1998 to attend Moravian College, I have seen a lot of positive changes and know this is an area that is continuing to expand for the better. I knew that this was a place where I would want to stay, have a home to raise a family in, work and become part of my community; which is what I am proud to be doing now!"

So a vote for Altieri is a vote for the NIZ, a vote to support the appropriation of EIT revenue from her own district to prop up the sinking ship known as Allentown.

Then again, a vote for Hahn is also a vote for the NIZ.

In Altieri's case, she seems to like those union construction jobs, even though limited state tax revenue is being dverted from the programs she claimed to support on Friday. In Hahn's case, it appears to be an unwillingness to oppose State Senator Pat Browne, the Majority Whip. In both cases, it's a lack of leadership.

Updated Noon: Altieri's NIZ answer is posted on Youtube. I taped her on my flipcam to be accurate. I should have spoken to her in more detail, but she said what she said.

Will South Whitehall Township Challenge Allentown's Tax Grab?

Allentown plans to divert Earned Income Taxes from nonresidents who work inside a 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) in the downtown and along the Lehigh River. Instead of passing this local tax revenue back to surrounding municipalities where these nonresidents live, the money will help pay for a hockey arena and other improvements over the next thirty years.

So far, seven Northampton County local governments have agreed to support a legal challenge being spearheaded by Hanover and Bethlehem Townships. Lehigh County's South Whitehall Township might soon join them. In a news release last week, Township Manager Jon Hammer stated there would be an "official position" in the "coming days."

It's on the agenda for tonight's 7:30 PM meeting, at 4444 Walbert Avenue.

LV Rail Advocate Chugs Away

Back in 1992, rail advocate Kirk Raub was pitching Lehigh Valley Scenic Railways, a tourist attraction that would follow the Monocacy Creek between Bath and Bethlehem. That proposal ran out of steam, but Raub is still chugging away.

At a City Council meeting on April 17, Raub suggested that Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton establish a rail transit agency and then approach both counties for a referendum on a funding mechanism.

"It's not the impossible amount of money that had been suggested by the study that had been done," Raub assured everyone.

A $250,000 regional rail study, released in 2010, revealed that it would cost $1 billion for a passenger rail line to New York City, serving about 800 riders. In a floodplain.

Raub nevertheless insisted that rail service would still be an "efficient" way to move people into the Lehigh Valley so they could send their money here. He also claimed to have had "a very good talk" with Easton City Council. "Things may actually be rolling in Easton more quickly than anywhere else," Raub stated.

Bethlehem City Council took no immediate action in response to Raub, who said he'll be back.

Bethlehem Citizens' Group Takes Aim at Atiyeh Rehabs

Greg Zebrowski & Stew Early

When developer Abe Atiyeh proposed a residential drug and alcohol treatment center next to Bethlehem Catholic High School, he poked a hornet's nest. A grass roots group that includes former Northampton County Judge Bill Moran rose up and actively fought it. After numerous lengthy meetings, Atiyeh's idea was ultimately rejected by the Zoning Hearing Board on March 5.

Now this group, which calls itself the North Bethlehem Action Committee, is taking aim at three other rehabs being proposed by by Atiyeh. But group members Stewart Early and Greg Zebrowski, at City Council's April 17 meeting, did more than encourage them to join their fight. They also suggested changes to Bethlehem's zoning ordinance that will effectively prevent rehab centers from locating near schools, by imposing a 1000' buffer from schools.

A new zoning ordinance being considered by City Council would impose a 500' buffer.

Undaunted by his March loss before Bethlehem zoners, Atiyeh has submitted plans for three new residential treatment facilities:

• 2110 Center Street: 28 beds, at Center and Dewberry, next door to the former Calvary Baptist Church and only a few hundred feet from Bethlehem Catholic High Schol;
• 2349 Linden Street: 47 beds at the former Moose and Bug flower shop, within 1000' of Spring Garden Elementary School; and, 
• 238 West Goepp Street: 100 beds at the Silk Mill apartments, within 1000' of LV Children' Center and William Penn Elementary School.

The Center and Linden Street applications, which are for "special exceptions," are scheduled to be heard by zoners on Monday, April 30, at 6 PM.

Early told City Council that a 1000' buffer "sends a strong signal that locating a rehab facility close to our schools, playgrounds, and parks is not in the best interest of Bethlehem."  He also urged city lawmakers to identify "specific locations" where a drug and alcohol treatment center would be appropriate.

Zebrowski called the numerous rehab proposals a "theater of the absurd," and asked City Council to monitor the proceedings and "support the neighborhoods."

City Council opposed Atiyeh's request for a drug rehab facility at the now vacant Calvary Baptist Church.