The Pennsylvania city’s council introduced a police initiative that doesn’t defund the department but does implement stronger programs for training on mental health, addiction and other social issues.
Bethlehem City Council on Tuesday night overruled the Historic Conservation Commission and approved a flatiron-style building that would bring 90 apartment units to the South Side.
With concerns about parking dominating the conversation Tuesday night, Bethlehem City Council tabled the first vote on zoning amendments sought by the developer of the former Martin Tower property.
Martin Tower plans could generate $2.7M in local taxes. But first the zoning needs to change.
Updated May 04, 2021;
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The proposed Martin Tower redevelopment could generate $2.7 million in increased local real estate taxes, but project developers say they need a zoning change to get it off the ground.
The owners of the 53-acre site are pitching a mixed-use redevelopment including medical office buildings, a hotel, a grocery store, gas station and convenience store, retail and apartments. They’ve asked Bethlehem City Council to back a zoning change they say is necessary to lock in agreements with several of those users.
Bethlehem council not on board with Martin Tower changes without more details on redevelopment
Updated 6:00 AM;
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Members of Bethlehem City Council want more detail on the redevelopment of the 53-acre Martin Tower site before granting zoning changes that could allow for a more suburban project.
Council held a public hearing Tuesday night on the developer’s request to weak the zoning rules governing the redevelopment of the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. world headquarters to allow for more parking near proposed medical buildings, the addition of a new Eighth Avenue entrance and a slightly denser development.
Council took no action on the request Tuesday, but spent more than an hour peppering the developer representative, Duane Wagner, and the city administration with questions about the proposal and how the project fits into the city’s goals of a more sustainable, walkable and equitable community with green spaces for residents.