Bethlehem's historic Boyd Theater, shuttered for years, has certainly seen better days. Paint that had been covering the windows to the entrance has worn off, offering passers-by a glimpse inside of the decay since a windstorm damaged the roof in 2011, closing the theater for good. Water damage from the leaking roof also shut down several storefronts at the property in 2015, and in 2019 the property was designated blighted by the Bethlehem Planning Commission. A partnership that acquired the property earlier this year has plans to replace it with a luxury apartment complex. DLP Real Estate Capital and developer Monocacy General Contracting announced their vision for a 14-story building that would also include a pool, fitness center and private movie theater for residents. The partnership said in February that it had hoped for the project to be completed by the third quarter of 2022.
Does South Bethlehem need more 150-foot-tall buildings? Plan aims to shrink max heights.
Updated 8:49 AM;
Today 7:59 AM
East Third Street on Southside Bethlehem is seen Jan. 11, 2019, from Zest bar+grill atop the Gateway at Greenway Park.Saed Hindash file photo | For lehighvalleylive.com
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Bethlehem planning officials and consultants are continuing to look at what kind of development the community would like to see over the next 15 years, including maximum building heights and design standards.
About 45 people engaged in a discussion about the “Southside Bethlehem Historic Conservation District Study” via Zoom on Thursday night. Some participants said they only learned about the meeting in passing, and organizers agreed to better outreach for future sessions.
A study aiming to balance future development with the charm of Bethlehem’s South Side Historic Conservation District recommends increasing building heights from 60 feet to 90 feet in one portion of the central business district, while dropping them from 150 feet to 60 feet elsewhere in the district.