Council Minutes
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, July 2, 2002 - 7:30 PM - Town Hall
1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
President Gregory called the meeting to order. Mr. Schweder
offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the
flag. Present were Jean Belinski, John B. Callahan, James A.
Delgrosso, Robert J. Donchez, J. Michael Schweder, Magdalena
F. Szabo, and James S. Gregory, 7.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of June 18, 2002 were approved.
5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances and
resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)
Blight Elimination and Abatement Response (BEAR) Program
Anne Evans, 464 Montclair Avenue, offered her support for initiating
a Blight Elimination and Abatement Response Program in a block
by block manner instead of a scattered site approach. Ms. Evans
felt that a block by block program will make more difference
and is a much better idea.
6. OLD BUSINESS
Density of Rental Units Versus Single Family Housing
Mrs. Belinski, with reference to an article by Stephen Antalics
on the editorial page in today's Morning Call concerning the
density ratio of apartments owned by absentee landlords especially
on the South Side, wondered if the Administration is going to
look into the matter. Mrs. Belinski, continuing on to say that
Mr. Antalics spent a lot of time on his research, said Mr. Antalics
has calculated that 90% of traceable crimes on the South Side
were committed by individuals belonging to non-related groups
living in rental properties. While acknowledging it is the City's
contention that students will move out of homes owned by landlords
into the new apartments on Morton Street, Mrs. Belinski stressed
it is no guarantee that landlords will not rent again to unrelated
groups. Mrs. Belinski noted that in the article Mr. Antalics
cites several examples, such as in Lansing, Michigan, where
cities have tried to reign in absentee landlords. Mrs. Belinski,
stressing that when the ratio is at least 50-50 the neighborhood
could seriously deteriorate, commented that is almost the case
now on the South Side. Mrs. Belinski, expressing her agreement
with Mr. Antalics, said she does not think the problem will
be solved by waiting several more years, and it will just give
it time to get worse. Mrs. Belinski said she wishes the Administration
would look into amending the City's Ordinances so that absentee
landlords can be reigned in and encouraging them to change the
houses back into single family dwellings. Mrs. Belinski reiterated
her hope that the City moves on the issue and does not wait
another several years.
Mayor Cunningham, noting that the issue has been reviewed many
times in this forum, and agreeing that Mr. Antalics has done
a lot of work on the issue and feels very passionate about a
particular public policy approach towards the issue of rentals,
stated that Bethlehem is at the forefront in having landlord
licensing enacted. Mayor Cunningham thought there are about
only four or five communities in Pennsylvania that have landlord
licensing acts. Highlighting the fact that this is an area of
public policy debate and disagreement, Mayor Cunningham said,
as much as he agrees with the issue of problems that can come
with renting, personally and from the Administration's perspective,
he does not "believe you can legislate home ownership and you
do get into a very dangerous arena when you start creating ratios
of apartments versus home ownership because that presupposes
that you have somebody there to own those homes." Mayor Cunningham
stated that, in response to Mrs. Belinski's question, "the answer
would be no. The Administration has no intention in the next
couple of years of introducing any type of density legislation
which would legislate that only x amount of units could be rental
versus property ownership. I think there's a host of constitutional
issues and just a whole host of market-based issues that are
wrapped up in that. Council as a legislative body, obviously,�can
legislate as well as the Administration�". Mayor Cunningham,
reiterating that Bethlehem remains at the forefront of communities
that are dealing head on with the issue of rental units, licensing
of landlords, and inspections, added that Bethlehem is also
investing its Federal CDBG money back into home ownership programs
and will continue on that course.
Mrs. Belinski said it has come to her attention recently that
Jamaican gangs are moving in on Fifth Street, and there is drug
dealing behind Donegan School and in the back of a home that
was recently renovated by a local non-profit housing group.
Mayor Cunningham pointed out that any crime related issues will
be dealt with through the Police Department. Mayor Cunningham
highlighted the fact that the City has worked extensively with
non-profit groups to deconvert and to turn rentals into home
ownership properties.
President Gregory noted that, as the Mayor mentioned, if Council
would like to go in that direction it is something that Council
could also address and legislate.
Ms. Szabo stated that it would need to be known what the problems
were in the cities mentioned in Mr. Antalics' article and what
the solutions were.
President Gregory commented that the issue is something that
the Community Development Committee if they should choose would
look at, or if Council is that concerned it is something that
could be looked at. President Gregory said he would talk to
the Chairman of the Community Development Committee.
Mrs. Belinski advised that, at a recent meeting of one of the
local groups on the South Side, City Council was disparaged
when one of the attendees remarked that Members of Council all
live on the North Side and do not really care about what happens
on the South Side. Mrs. Belinski stressed that is not true at
all. Mrs. Belinski pointed out that if anybody calls her, she
goes out and looks at the problem.
Drought Waiver
Mr. Delgrosso thanked President Gregory for his persistence
and his efforts in getting a Waiver from the State's Drought
Restrictions. Mr. Delgrosso noted that, through Mr. Gregory's
efforts, a lot of people are happy.
Parks and Public Property Department - Overtime
Mr. Delgrosso pointed out that, according to the latest report,
there were 74.5 hours in overtime at the Golf Course in an eleven
day period. Mr. Delgrosso, highlighting the fact that the contract
allows employees services to be utilized during various times,
asked if there is a way that overtime could be cut to a degree.
Focusing on 48 hours of overtime worked by Streets Bureau employees
for blacktopping areas at the Golf Course, Mr. Delgrosso said
his understanding is there was some type of agreement where
employees would come in early and then work later and get paid
overtime for the early hours but a grievance stopped that, and
asked if that is true.
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, explained that the
work was not scheduled to be done this year but needed to be
done in short notice in order not to impact other streets that
were being worked on that was done mostly on a weekend on a
Saturday.
Mr. Delgrosso expressed the hope that there could be more coordination
so that projects could be done when employees of the Public
Works Department have more free time. Mr. Alkhal advised that
notice is needed in advance of one week that projects will occur
so that the Department would not take on as many streets, for
example, in order to do those projects.
Garbage Pickup - Initiating City Zones
Mr. Delgrosso, commenting that he likes the idea of having garbage
trucks collect on certain days in certain parts of the City,
stated he would hope that the current practice of garbage pickup
at the side or towards the back of the house would be retained.
Mr. Delgrosso stressed that he does not want to have garbage
pickup at the curb or front of the house. Mr. Delgrosso continued
on to say there are a lot of areas throughout the City that
he has observed in driving around and walking where enforcement
is needed. Mr. Delgrosso suggested that letters could be forwarded
to residents stating that garbage pickup at the curb or front
of the house is a violation of City Ordinance.
Mayor Cunningham, expressing his concurrence with Mr. Delgrosso's
viewpoint, said the reason the Administration has explored the
idea of zoning the City for garbage pickup is for the purpose
of concentrating inspections and enforcement throughout the
zoned areas. The current system of garbage pickup every day
by numerous haulers throughout City makes it difficult to conduct
inspections since it is not known when and where a particular
hauler will be collecting on any given day.
Mrs. Belinski stated that Bethlehem has always stood apart from
Allentown and Easton because its Ordinance required garbage
to be picked up at the side or back of the house. Mrs. Belinski
contended that once people are told they can put their garbage
out on the curb for pickup a lot of trash will be on the sidewalks,
garbage cans will remain there during the day while people are
at work and could be strewn in the streets if there is rain
or wind, and "it'll be an unsightly mess." Mrs. Belinski thought
that perhaps a notice to homeowners could be mailed along with
water bills notifying citizens that they will be fined for placing
their trash on the sidewalks.
Ms. Szabo, asserting that allowing garbage to be put out 24
hours before pickup is unreasonable, highlighted the fact that
garbage can be seen setting out from Monday early in the morning
until late afternoon on Tuesday when it is picked up.
Mayor Cunningham, referring to correspondence he received from
the Department of Community and Economic Development proposing
changes to the residential trash collection Ordinance, noted
that a proposal will be forwarded to Council and stated that
it will incorporate comments received this evening from Members
of Council.
Linden Street and Center Street - Returning to Two Way Traffic
Mr. Delgrosso, with reference to the Mayor's suggestion that
Linden Street and Center Street be returned to two way traffic,
observed that the goal of transportation systems is to get traffic
from one point to another quickly and safely. Acknowledging
the fact that traffic from the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation
operations is no longer a factor, Mr. Delgrosso said he does
not know that the traffic has changed that much on those two
streets. Mr. Delgrosso noted he is bringing up the subject before
it is considered in-depth. Mr. Delgrosso wondered what the traffic
count is on the two streets. Commenting that although changing
from one way to two way on the streets may improve business,
Mr. Delgrosso asserted that it will promote double parking that
creates congestion and hazards, particularly in view of the
fact that most of the deliveries on Linden Street are made at
the front of the buildings. Focusing on the issue of speed control
that was raised in conjunction with returning the streets to
two-way traffic, Mr. Delgrosso said that speed can be controlled
on those two streets by the timing of lights. Mr. Delgrosso
also stressed that the possible cost mentioned of $500,000 to
return the streets to two way traffic can become $750,000 if
placed in the capital budget, especially when there may be other
pressing needs.
Mayor Cunningham advised that the idea of returning Linden and
Center Streets to two way has been sent to the Planning Bureau,
Planning Commission, Police Department, and Engineering Bureau
for review. Turning to the cost estimates, Mayor Cunningham
pointed out they did not come from City Hall and are very high.
Mayor Cunningham denoted that the focus is more on Linden Street
than on Center Street.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Rezoning Request - Creek Road and Friedensville Road - RR
to RS
The Clerk read a letter dated June 14, 2002 from Attorney James
Broughal who requested, on behalf of his client, Landmark Communities,
LLC, to rezone approximately nine acres of land located at the
intersection of Creek Road and Friedensville Road (S.R. 3007)
in the City of Bethlehem from R-R Residential to R-S Residential.
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Schweder moved to schedule a Public Hearing
on the rezoning request on Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at 7:30
PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr.
Delgrosso, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory,
7. The motion passed.
B. Deputy Director of Community Development - COOP Grant - South
Side Lighting and Streetscape Improvements
The Clerk read a letter dated June 14, 2002 from Dana B. Grubb,
Deputy Director of Community Development, requesting consideration
of a resolution concerning a Communities of Opportunity Program
(COOP) Grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community
and Economic Development in the amount of $1,000,000 for South
Bethlehem Lighting and Streetscape Improvements.
President Gregory stated that the authorizing Resolution will
be placed on the July 16 Agenda. C. Deputy Director of Community
Development - Adoption of 2000 International Building, Electrical,
Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, and Permit Fee Revisions
The Clerk read a letter dated June 25, 2002 from Dana Grubb,
Deputy Director of Community Development, requesting consideration
of ordinances to reflect use of the 2000 International Building
Code in place of the 1996 BOCA Code currently in force in the
City. In addition, various permit fee amendments are proposed.
President Gregory referred the matter to the Community Development
Committee.
D. Assistant Planning Director - Zoning Amendments for Sign
Revisions and Other Miscellaneous Revisions
The Clerk read a letter dated June 26, 2002 from Darlene L.
Heller, Assistant Planning Director, in which it was advised
that at their meeting of June 13, 2002 the Planning Commission
proposed the attached Zoning amendments for sign revisions and
other miscellaneous revisions. The most significant portion
of the amendment proposes revisions to Article 1320, Signs,
to update sections of this chapter that have not been addressed
in several years. Permitting outdoor dining in the CB and CG
zones and permitting a home office in a rental dwelling unit
are also included.
Mr. Schweder and Mr. Delgrosso moved to schedule a Public Hearing
on the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment request on Tuesday, August
13, 2002 at 7:30 PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski,
Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms.
Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The motion passed.
E. Assistant Planning Director - Amendment to Subdivision and
Land Development Ordinance - Article 1345.02 - Submitting Plans
for Approval
The Clerk read a letter dated June 26, 2002 from Darlene L.
Heller, Assistant Planning Director, in which it was advised
that at their meeting of June 13, 2002 the Planning Commission
proposed the attached amendment to the Subdivision and Land
Development Ordinance concerning Section 1345.02, Submitting
Plans for Approval.
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Delgrosso moved to schedule a Public Hearing
on the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment request on Tuesday, August
13, 2002 at 7:30 PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski,
Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms.
Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The motion passed.
F. Assistant Planning Director - Proposed Zoning Map Amendments
- East End of Broad Street
The Clerk read a letter dated June 26, 2002 from Darlene L.
Heller, Assistant Planning Director, in which it was advised
that at their meeting of June 13, 2002 the Planning Commission
recommended that the east end of Broad Street be rezoned as
described on the map.
Mr. Delgrosso and Mr. Schweder moved to schedule a Public Hearing
on the Zoning Map Amendment request on Tuesday, August 20, 2002
at 7:30 PM in Town Hall. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan,
Mr. Delgrosso, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr.
Gregory, 7. The motion passed.
8 . REPORTS
A. President of Council
None.
B. Mayor
None.
C. Parks and Public Property Committee Report
Mrs. Belinski, Chairwoman of the Parks and Public Property Committee,
presented a report of the Committee's meeting held on June 18,
2002 on the following subject: Recycling Center Modifications
- Illick's Mill Road.
D. Public Safety Committee
Mr. Donchez, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, presented
an oral report of the Committee's meeting held on June 27, 2002
on the following subjects: Intermunicipal Agreement - Northampton
County Sheriff's Special Response Team; Police Department: A.
Grants, B. Staffing, C. Overtime, D. Community Policing, E.
Communications Center - Update, F. Traffic Bureau Reorganization
- Update, G. Police Services - Use Permit Agreements, H. Equipment,
I. Police Department - Facilities, J. New Programs/Initiatives;
Fire Department: A. Fire Department - Report, B. Grants, C.
New Programs/Initiatives, D. Sprinkler Ordinance - Update, E.
Staffing, F. Overtime, G. Fire Inspectors, H. Equipment, I.
Fire Houses - Visit; and EMS Bureau: A. Grants, B. Staffing,
C. Overtime, D. New Schedule - Results, Number of Calls Handled
by Bethlehem EMS for the Years 1999, 2000, and 2001, E. Equipment,
F. EMS Building - Visit.
E. Community Development Committee
Mr. Schweder, Chairman of the Community Development Committee,
presented an oral report of the Committee's meeting held on
July 1, 2002 on the following subject: Blight Elimination and
Abatement Response (BEAR) Program Proposal.
9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE
A. Bill No. 16 - 2002 - Amending General Fund Budget - Police
Department - GREAT Grant; Health Bureau - Tobacco Prevention
Grant and Temporary Help - West Nile Virus; and South Side Lighting
Committee Contribution - Lighting Study
The Clerk read Bill No. 16 - 2002, Amending General Fund Budget
- Police Department - GREAT Grant; Health Bureau - Tobacco Prevention
Grant and Temporary Help - West Nile Virus; and South Side Lighting
Committee Contribution - Lighting Study, on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. Bill No.
16 - 2002, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 4132, was declared
adopted.
B. Bill No. 17 - 2002 - Amending Non-Utility Capital Budget
- PA DCED Grants - South Side Business District Improvements,
CACLV - Forte Building, and Lehigh University Parking Garage;
and Home Investment Trust
The Clerk read Bill No. 17 - 2002, Amending Non-Utility Capital
Budget - PA DCED Grants - South Side Business District Improvements,
CACLV - Forte Building, and Lehigh University Parking Garage;
and Home Investment Trust, on Final Reading.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. Bill No.
17 - 2002, hereafter to be known as Ordinance 4133, was declared
adopted.
10. NEW ORDINANCES
A. Bill No. 18 - 2002 - Amending Article 531 - Side-Lift Vehicles
The Clerk read Bill No. 18 - 2002, sponsored by Mr. Donchez
and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES
OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 531 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES ENTITLED, PARKING GENERALLY,
TO ADDRESS SIDE-LIFT VEHICLES.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. Bill No.
18 - 2002 was declared passed on First Reading.
11. RESOLUTIONS
A. Authorizing Execution of Intermunicipal Agreement - Northampton
County Sheriff's Special Response Team
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 13,854 which
authorized the Mayor and the Controller to execute an Intermunicipal
Agreement, Northampton County Sheriff's Special Response Team,
between the City of Bethlehem and the County of Northampton,
the City of Easton and the Township of Palmer, for the purpose
of addressing the additional need for training, cooperation
and responding to high risk emergency situations within the
other above-named municipalities according to the terms and
conditions of the agreement.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
B. Transfer of Funds - Health Bureau - Injury Prevention Grant
- PEPPI Fitness Program
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Callahan sponsored Resolution 13,855 which
transferred $7,222 in the General Fund Budget from the Health
Bureau - Temporary Health Account, to the Health Bureau - Injury
Prevention Grant Account, for the purchases related to the Peer
Exercise Promotes Independence (PEPPI) Fitness Program.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
C. Certificate of Appropriateness - 431-433 Wyandotte Street
Mr. Callahan and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 13,856 which
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install vinyl siding
on the rear face of the building at 431-433 Wyandotte Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
D. Certificate of Appropriateness - 516 East Fourth Street
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Delgrosso sponsored Resolution 13,857 which
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to alter the fa�ade
at 516 East Fourth Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
E. Certificate of Appropriateness - Gazebo at Steel Memorial
Park (New and West Third Streets)
President Gregory announced that the Administration has requested
that Resolution 11 E be removed from the Agenda. Consequently,
it will not be considered by Council this evening.
F. Initiating Blight Elimination and Abatement Response (BEAR)
Program
Mr. Callahan and Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution 13,858 adopting
the Blight Elimination and Abatement Response (BEAR) Program,
in conformity with the Department of Housing and Urban Development
regulations, and noting that the City can determine the use
of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for such eligible
and fundable project activities.
President Gregory inquired whether the income of a property
owner will be considered in administering the BEAR program in
view of a situation where there could be a "slum" landlord who
has a considerable amount of money.
Mr. Schweder highlighted the fact that, contingent upon giving
money to a property owner, the interior and exterior of a property
must be up to Code and remain up to Code, all taxes must be
paid, as well as water and sewer bills. Mr. Schweder added that
the board has not yet been established and guidelines have not
yet been finalized.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
12. NEW BUSINESS
None.
13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Garbage Pickup - Initiating City Zones
Craig Evans, 464 Montclair Avenue, thought that standardizing
garbage pickup schedules and zoning specific areas for garbage
pickup times would facilitate planning for when to put out garbage
and should help with enforcement.
South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission
Mr. Evans explained a situation where someone was told by one
Department of the City that a certain amount of work had to
be done immediately because of a fire but there was no coordination
to also advise that the work had to be reviewed first by the
South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission and a Certificate
of Appropriateness issued. Mr. Evans, a member of the South
Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission, stressed that the
Commission is trying to find ways to publicize the fact that
proposals must go before the Commission before work can begin.
He added that perhaps more of an effort could be made on the
part of the Administration and Council. Mr. Evans expressed
that the HARB Board on the North Side is well known but that
is not so much the case for the South Side or for the boundaries.
Mr. Evans said his plea is for some additional support in making
sure the word gets out so that the South Bethlehem Historic
Conservation Commission can be helpful and so that people do
not "get caught in a bind".
Rezoning Request - Creek Road and Friedensville Road - RR to
RS
William Neff, 2010 Creek Road, advised that his lot is next
to the area located at Creek Road and Friedensville Road requested
by the developer to be rezoned from RR to RS. Mr. Neff informed
the Members that he decided to purchase the home based on a
number of factors, one of which was the secluded nature of the
property. Other reasons included the City's Master Plan and
the RR zoning of the adjacent land. Mr. Neff continued on to
say he was attracted to the rural character of Creek Road as
well as the historical nature of the home. Mr. Neff stated that
he and his wife have no objection to development when it is
consistent with the City's Master Plan and sound zoning principles
are used. Mr. Neff said this also goes with the Southeast Bethlehem
Conservation Association of which he and his wife are members.
Acknowledging that when he purchased the home in 1999 he knew
that an apartment complex was to be built behind the property,
Mr. Neff explained that his only concern was storm water runoff
from that project with the hope that it would be addressed carefully.
He pointed out that the area is highly susceptible to flooding.
Mr. Neff asserted that the proposed rezoning would remove the
transition zone that now exists between high density development
and an environmentally sensitive area. He noted that the Saucon
Creek is a high quality fresh water trout stream. Mr. Neff,
reiterating the issue of flooding, stressed that high density
zoning brings up the matter of additional overflow. Mr. Neff
questioned whether a preliminary environmental impact study
has been prepared and funded by the developer if it does not
already exist. He asked whether City Council or the developer
sought comments from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection, or the Northampton County
Conservation District. Mr. Neff wondered whether another apartment
complex is really needed while the current apartment complex
behind his house has vacancies. Mr. Neff asked why build another
high rise density along a small country road without having
sound planning principles. Mr. Neff queried whether the developer
has provided the City with or agreed to fund at least a preliminary
traffic study defining the impact of traffic on the area should
the project go forward. Mr. Neff quoted from the introduction
in Pennsylvania's zoning manual series number four discussing
the need for zoning that addressed many of the points that he
had raised. Mr. Neff questioned if it would be more appropriate
for the developer or property owner to make their request for
high density housing on the land currently designated low density
before the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Neff restated that he and
his wife bought their home based on current zoning, knowing
that probably single family homes would be built next to theirs
but not apartments. Mr. Neff pointed out that the current RR
zoning designation has been in the Master Plan for many years.
Attorney Leeson indicated that he has not reviewed the matter
in depth at this point in time.
President Gregory affirmed that a Public Hearing will take place
after the Planning Commission reviews the request, followed
by First Reading of an Ordinance, and Final Reading. President
Gregory noted that questions will be able to be answered at
the Public Hearing.
Shelagh Maloney, 1919 Creek Road, said she is at the meeting
to speak on behalf of the Southeast Bethlehem Conservation Association,
a recently formed group to ensure preservation of the area's
environment and historic resources. Ms. Maloney stated that
the group is opposed to the rezoning.
Five Points Area - Traffic Concerns
Anne Evans, 464 Montclair Avenue, asked what is the schedule
for completion of traffic improvements in the Five Points area.
Ms. Evans expressed concern about loss of parking on the North
side of Wyandotte Street.
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, advised that the traffic
improvements that are being done in conjunction with the McDonald's
restaurant project are being monitored by the City, and the
City oversees the traffic improvements. Mr. Alkhal noted that
the improvements will be done by sometime in August.
Density of Rental Units Versus Single Family Housing Stephen
Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, queried why the City of Bethlehem
is so far behind other communities in implementing a density
provision for rental units. Mr. Antalics contended that, had
the issue been addressed by the City, he would not be bringing
up the issue again. Mr. Antalics asserted that Mayor Cunningham's
comments fortified what Mr. Antalics wrote in his article in
the Morning Call that the issue is not understood. Mr. Antalics
stressed that the City's Regulated Rental Unit Ordinance has
nothing to do with what he has been saying for two years. Rather,
the issue has to do with behavior. Mr. Antalics highlighted
the fact that the City's own Regulated Rental Unit Ordinance
states that there is a greater incidence of problems with maintenance,
upkeep, violations of various Codes, and disturbances which
adversely the neighborhood at residential properties where Owners
rent to three or more unrelated individuals than at Owner-occupied
residential properties or family-occupied residential rental
properties. Mr. Antalics remarked he cannot understand why what
he has been saying would be unconstitutional.
Mayor Cunningham, acknowledging that he and Mr. Antalics do
not share the same viewpoint, stated he is not trying to say
that Mr. Antalics is wrong but that what Mr. Antalics is advocating
is not a necessity at this time.
Mr. Antalics pointed out that Sasaki Associates at their last
community meeting proposed a ratio of single family homes to
those in which non-related individuals live at 70 to 30. Mr.
Antalics remarked that Bloomsburg, to which municipality he
has sent articles, is amazed at what is not happening in Bethlehem.
Mr. Antalics repeated his contention that the City should have
controls for the number of unrelated individuals in rental properties
and a program in place to encourage single families to move
into housing units. Mr. Antalics advised that Berwick had a
serious problem when students moved into campus properties and
unrelated individuals moved into rental units and a major crime
problem resulted. Mr. Antalics stressed there is a message in
crime statistics. Mr. Antalics explained he is saying that the
issue of how rental properties are occupied should be addressed.
Reiterating that the City's Regulated Rental Unit Ordinance
implies that there are some problems associated with rental
properties, Mr. Antalics reemphasized that the City should have
controls in place to deal with the issues surrounding unrelated
individuals in rental properties. Otherwise, Mr. Antalics contended,
the lack of controls encourages landlords to rent properties
to that market segment. Mr. Antalics pointed out that other
communities define the situation of unrelated individuals in
housing units as a boarding house. Mr. Antalics, asserting that
the solution is very simple, said all the City needs to do is
amend its Zoning Ordinance. Highlighting the fact that Lehigh
University has a program in place to encourage people to purchase
properties on the South Side, and reiterating that Sasaki Associates
is saying the ratio of housing for single families to unrelated
individuals should be 70 to 30, Mr. Antalics stressed that the
issue merits close attention.
Mayor Cunningham advised that he would find out if Bethlehem
is behind other cities of its size that have similar urban issues.
Commenting that perhaps some of the smaller college towns may
be getting more aggressive as far as the numbers of unrelated
individuals living in housing units, Mayor Cunningham pointed
out that Bethlehem's home ownership to rental ratio is much
higher. Commenting that while it may be simple in terms of changing
words on a page, Mayor Cunningham said that allowing only so
many apartment units raises a host of issues that need to be
explored. Mayor Cunningham, remarking that he would take exception
to Mr. Antalics' comment that Bethlehem is behind, thought that
comparisons need to be made with other Third Class Cities.
President Gregory recalled that, as Members of Council and Mr.
Schweder, Chairman of the Community Development Committee have
stated, the City would give its Regulated Rental Unit Occupancy
Ordinance a certain amount of time and see how that works out.
President Gregory noted the Community Development Committee
and Council have the option if it is felt to move in another
direction now, or give the current Ordinance more time.
Mr. Schweder, in recollecting past discussions on the issue,
commented that the Mayor raises valid legal points. Mr. Schweder
recalled that where the issue may have been left was that at
some point a report would be completed and reviewed with Council.
Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development,
confirmed that he did share with City Council some voluminous
data, including 10 years of history, related to several points
made by Mr. Antalics. Mr. Hanna added that some of the points
with which Mr. Antalics took issue were responded to in the
report. Affirming that the City wanted to give the landlord
licensing bill a chance to work, Mr. Hanna recalled it had been
agreed to have some public forum on the results of the data,
and suggested a meeting in the Fall.
Mr. Schweder, noting that a lot more problems than originally
envisioned have been uncovered, stated they are being addressed
and the City is forcefully going after the problems. Mr. Schweder,
concurring that the issue ought to be addressed at some point,
stated that he will work with Mr. Hanna and will determine how
best to address the issue.
Mr. Antalics repeated his contention that the Regulated Rental
Unit Ordinance has nothing to do with density. Mr. Antalics,
pointing out that the City's Ordinance is almost a verbatim
copy of Bloomsburg's, informed the assembly that Bloomsburg
agrees with him and has been advising him that the issue he
raises has nothing to do with the Ordinance that has guidelines
for the behavior of occupants, and the issue is that of density
of single family housing versus non-related.
Mr. Hanna advised that as he told Mr. Schweder, when the public
forum is held, the density issue will be addressed from a planning
and zoning perspective and there will be presented statistics
and data indicating whether or not there is a problem.
Mr. Schweder observed there is a resolution to a perceived problem
which is behavioral, and there are different points of view
how to get there. One point of view can be how to determine
the number of rental units of non-related individuals, or another
is enforcement of the Ordinances that have been enacted to bring
about behavioral change. Mr. Schweder noted the discussion in
the upcoming forum may be how are the needs of people in the
community best served. Restating that all have the same end
in mind, Mr. Schweder highlighted the fact that there are two
very divergent viewpoints as to how to get there.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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