North and West Bethlehem neighborhoods are specifically mentioned as targeted areas
Single-family home neighborhoods are specifically mentioned as targeted areas
Higher-value neighborhoods are specifically mentioned as targeted areas
Any parcel of land or any area of the city could have the zoning updated/rezoned to be developed as per Opening Doors
There is no planning timeline for Strategy 1, Project 1 (Zoning and Land Use Updates). The implementation timeline is 2 years.
Residential neighborhoods would see increase in density
Residential neighborhoods would see a change in the mix of housing types (e.g. permit,
by right, a 2-4 story apartment buildings built in the middle of single-family homes)
Residential neighborhoods would see traffic and parking increase
The unique character and open space of our residential neighborhoods would be forever
changed and lost
City Administration statements lead to a conclusion that a goal would be to have all
residential neighborhoods the same
There would be a loss of pervious land (green space) in residential neighborhoods,
which would then present the likelihood of stormwater and creek/river flooding issues
Homeowners would see property values change, with the likelihood being a decrease in
property value
BASD would see student population increase
The demand for and cost of city services (e.g. water/sewer, storm sewer, fire, etc.) would
increase
Predominantly owner-occupied residential neighborhoods would see those
neighborhoods convert to a mix of owner-occupied and renter-occupied residential
neighborhoods
Probable real estate tax increases to compensate for the increased use of public
infrastructure
Due to no planning timeline, Strategy 1, Project 1 (zoning and land use updates) would
be implemented within a 2 year period without appropriate time to complete fully
vetted studies and/or public discussion
First Presbyterian Church (“FPC”) Proposed Development
Current Zoning is Institutional, which does not permit residential or commercial uses.
Will require zoning change/relief.
Is a high-density (220-320 residential units in multi-story buildings and commercial uses
on the same property as the existing multipurpose/use church building) and mixed-use
(residential, restaurant, retail, daycare, church, etc.) development.
Not in keeping with the established surrounding neighborhoods.
All residential units would be rental, because FPC does not own the land and would need
to ground lease the land for the development.
First Presbyterian Church proposed development meets the objective of Strategy 1 and
other strategies within Opening Doors.
Direct parallels between Opening Doors and FPC proposed development concepts.
It is likely the City Administration does/will support a high-density development at FPC
property because it would be in line with Opening Doors.
Zoning change/relief to accommodate FPC’s proposed development would set
precedent for similar projects and/or projects that align with Opening Doors, which
impacts all areas of North and West Bethlehem.
FPC’s Associate Pastor Lindsey Clifton is Chairperson of the Bethlehem Housing
Authority. Appointed by Mayor Reynolds in January 2023.
FPC’s urban planner, COLLABO, is also the consultant for Opening Doors and Choice
Neighborhoods, which Bethlehem Housing Authority participates in both.
Change the character of the established surrounding neighborhoods.
Change the uniqueness of North Bethlehem neighborhoods.
Set precedent for other projects to occur in North and West Bethlehem.
Increased density.
Increased traffic.
Increased stormwater runoff.
Increased noise.
Loss of open space.
BASD would see student population increase.
The demand for and cost of city services (e.g. water/sewer, storm sewer, fire, etc.) would
increase.
High-density development would likely require improvements to city streets (e.g.
widening of Center Street) and other infrastructure (e.g. sanitary and storm sewer
upgrades).
Loss in property value for the surrounding neighborhoods and beyond.