Council Minutes
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, May 7, 2002 - 7:30 PM - Town Hall
1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
President Gregory called the meeting to order. Mrs. Belinski
offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the
flag. Present were Jean Belinski, John B. Callahan, James A.
Delgrosso, James S. Gregory, J. Michael Schweder, Magdalena
F. Szabo, and Robert J. Donchez, 7.
Citation - Honoring Ronald G. Bauder
President Gregory presented a Citation honoring Ronald G. Bauder
(who was not in attendance) on the occasion of his retirement
from the Police Department after 37 years of service to the
City.
Citation - Honoring Alexander J. Harvey
President Gregory presented a Citation to Alexander J. Harvey
on the occasion of his retirement from the Police Department
after 36 years of service to the City. The Members of Council
congratulated Mr. Harvey and wished him well in his retirement.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of April 16, 2002 were approved.
5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances and
resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)
None.
6. OLD BUSINESS
Christmas Tree - City Center Plaza
Mr. Delgrosso asked the status of plans for a large Christmas
Tree to be placed on the City Center Plaza that he had suggested
at the February 5, 2002 City Council Meeting.
Charles Brown, Director of Parks and Public Property, affirmed
that the project is underway.
City Hall Garage - Security
Mr. Delgrosso, inquiring about the planned security gates for
the City Hall Garage, noted that this evening there was still
a Police Officer stationed at the entrance to the City Hall
Garage. Mr. Delgrosso asked if it is correct that there are
only eight Police Officers on the streets during the evening
shift from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Francis Donchez, Police Commissioner, confirming that on occasion
there are eight Police Officers on the street, explained that
the number of Officers varies dependent on vacations, sick days,
and so on, and advised that the number of Police Officers can
vary from 16 to 8 Officers. Police Commissioner affirmed to
Mr. Delgrosso that with one Police Officer stationed at the
Garage entrance it brings the number of Officers on the street
down to 7.
Mr. Delgrosso, in view of the fact that the security gates have
still not been installed, queried if there are alternatives,
particularly on the night shift, to having a Police Officer
stationed at the City Hall Garage entrance. Mr. Delgrosso later
commented that perhaps an individual with a radio can be stationed
there since it is located very close to the Police Department.
Mr. Brown, advising that the contract is not fully signed yet,
noted that after it is signed the project to install the gates
can proceed. Expressing that some of the details are being worked
out, Mr. Brown stressed he does not want the public to be inconvenienced.
Mr. Brown, explaining that issues such as opening and closing
the gates and allowing vehicles to enter and exit the garage
needs to be worked out, stated that the matter is being worked
on diligently.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Deputy Director of Community Development - Communities of
Opportunity Program Grant Application - South Side Business
District Improvements
The Clerk read a letter dated April 25, 2002 from Dana B. Grubb,
Deputy Director of Community Development, requesting Council's
action on a Resolution required in order to file a Single Application
for Funding Assistance under the Pennsylvania Communities of
Opportunity Program Grant, Web Application No. 0204270, in the
amount of $150,000. These funds are being pursued to compliment
the initial phase of improvements in the South New Street area,
which is a part of the overall planning study area addressed
by the original Sasaki Associates, Inc. South Side Master Plan
and will include all necessary components of the lighting program
for the designated area.
President Gregory noted that authorizing Resolution 11 A is
listed on the Agenda.
B. Deputy Director of Community Development - Communities of
Opportunity Program Grant Application - Lehigh University Parking
Garage - Morton Street
The Clerk read a letter dated April 25, 2002 from Dana B. Grubb,
Deputy Director of Community Development, requesting Council's
action on a Resolution required in order to file a Single Application
for Funding Assistance under the Pennsylvania Communities of
Opportunity Program Grant, Web Application No. 0204266, in the
amount of $1,500,000. These funds will be used to underwrite
a portion of Lehigh University's costs on the University's Morton
Street parking facility, and for which the City is acting solely
as a go-through on the grant.
President Gregory noted that authorizing Resolution 11 B is
listed on the Agenda.
C. Deputy Director of Community Development - Communities of
Opportunity Program Grant Application - Forte Building
The Clerk read a letter dated May 1, 2002 from Dana B. Grubb,
Deputy Director of Community Development, requesting Council's
action on a Resolution required in order to file a Single Application
for Funding Assistance under the Communities of Opportunity
Program Grant in the amount of $200,000. The City would act
as a pass-through for these funds for the Forte Building project
which is being developed by the Community Action Committee of
the Lehigh Valley, Inc.
President Gregory noted that authorizing Resolution 11 D is
listed on the Agenda.
D. Rezoning Request - Creek Road and Friedensville Road - RR
to RG - Withdrawal of Request
The Clerk read a letter dated May 2, 2002 from Attorney James
L. Broughal which withdrew the request by Landmark Communities,
LLC for the rezoning of Creek Road and Friedensville Road.
President Gregory noted that, as a result of the withdrawal
of the rezoning request, the Public Hearing that had been scheduled
on May 22 is cancelled.
8 . REPORTS
A. President of Council
Drought Waiver
President Gregory, with reference to discussions about the possible
request for a waiver from the State's Drought Restrictions,
asked what are the water levels as a result of the recent rain.
Kathleen Reese, Director of Water and Sewer Resources, responded
she has not been informed that the water is going down the spillway.
Ms. Reese, informing the Members that the Northampton County
Drought Task Force met today, advised that the word from the
State is that the Drought Emergency is not going to be lifted.
Ms. Reese, continuing on to say there is no discussion on reducing
the severity of the declaration from a Drought Emergency to
a Drought Warning, pointed out that the same restrictions apply
to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC).
Mr. Delgrosso noted it was reported on the Channel 10 television
news this evening that Northampton and Lehigh Counties are about
equal to previous water levels, and Carbon County is approximately
three inches below previous water levels, but to the South the
levels are not up to previous levels.
Ms. Reese, commenting that she has printed a copy of the eight
monitoring locations for the four county area, advised all but
one have come back up to where they could or should be. However,
that still is not impacting the State's or the DRBC's decision.
B. Mayor
1. Administrative Order - Jeannette I. MacDonald - Fine Arts
Commission
Mayor Cunningham appointed Jeannette I. MacDonald to the Fine
Arts Commission effective until April 2005. Mr. Donchez and
Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution 13,803 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
2. Administrative Order - Sherri L. Palopoli - Fine Arts Commission
Mayor Cunningham appointed Sherri L. Palopoli to the Fine Arts
Commission effective until April 2005. Mr. Schweder and Ms.
Szabo sponsored Resolution 13,804 to confirm the appointment.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
C. Public Works Committee
Ms. Szabo, Chairwoman of the Public Works Committee, presented
an oral report of the Committee's meeting that was held on April
23, 2002 on the following subjects: Possible Request for Waiver
- State Drought Emergency; Brooks Forestry & Resource Management
Company's Proposal - Development and Implementation of Forest
Management Action Plan; Update on Unaccounted For Water Audit;
and Update on SCADA System Replacement.
9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE
None.
10. NEW ORDINANCES
A. Bill No. 15 - 2002 - Amending Article 1739 - Regulated Rental
Unit Occupancy - Inspection Schedule
The Clerk read Bill No. 15 - 2002, sponsored by Mr. Schweder
and Mrs. Belinski, and titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, COUNTIES
OF LEHIGH AND NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING
ARTICLE 1739 ENTITLED REGULATED RENTAL UNIT OCCUPANCY.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. Bill No.
15 - 2002 was declared passed on First Reading
11. RESOLUTIONS
A. Authorizing Grant Application - Communities of Opportunity
Program - South Side Business District Improvements
Ms. Szabo and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 13,805 which
authorized the filing of an application for proposal for funds
in the amount of $150,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development under the Communities of
Opportunity Program for South Side Business District improvements.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
B. Authorizing Grant Application - Communities of Opportunity
Program - Lehigh University Parking Garage - Morton Street
Ms. Szabo and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 13,806 which
authorized the filing of an application for proposal for funds
in the amount of $1,500,000 from the Pennsylvania Department
of Community and Economic Development under the Communities
of Opportunity Program for Lehigh University's Parking Garage
on Morton Street.
Mr. Schweder inquired when the Communities of Opportunity Program
(COOP) Grant for Lehigh University was discussed before Council.
Tony Hanna, Director of Community Development, stating there
was not a discussion with City Council about the Grant, affirmed
this is the first time the matter is being brought before Council.
Mr. Hanna explained that Lehigh University had a commitment
from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for $3 million of funding,
of which $1.5 million was received under a program through the
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
(DCED) that Lehigh University could apply for directly. Mr.
Hanna continued on to advise that Lehigh University had also
dealt with the Commonwealth for an additional $1.5 million that
was to be made available through the Communities of Opportunity
Program for which only the City could apply. Mr. Hanna, stating
that the request was made for the City to apply on behalf of
Lehigh University, said the City agreed to act as the applicant
on Lehigh University's behalf.
Mr. Schweder, stressing he is not arguing the merits of the
grant, pointed out that, since Mr. Hanna has confirmed that
the matter has not been brought before City Council prior to
this time, said he has a question about the procedure especially
in view of the amount of the grant. Mr. Schweder queried whether
the matter should not have been at least broached with City
Council.
Mr. Hanna, responding that Council will have an opportunity
to discuss the matter, explained that the Resolution only allows
the grant application to be filed which has been done. Mr. Hanna
stated that, ultimately, when the contract is received from
the State, there will be discussion at the Finance Committee
to establish the line item for the grant funding.
Mr. Schweder observed that the matter seems to have been before
the Administration and Lehigh University for some time and yet
is on Council's Agenda only tonight.
Mr. Hanna, noting that is correct, advised that word was just
received from the State that dollars were available to be applied
for before the end of the State's fiscal year and consequently
timing was of the essence. Acknowledging there were discussions
with the State on the project for probably the last year, Mr.
Hanna commented that it was unsure as to where the additional
dollars would be found. Mr. Hanna restated that the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania made a commitment to Lehigh University directly
for $3 million. There was $1.5 million in one program and the
City was asked to apply on Lehigh University's behalf for the
COOP program. Mr. Hanna highlighted the fact that the City is
just passing through the funds on Lehigh University's behalf.
Mr. Schweder inquired if the Resolution were to be tabled tonight
would that action delay the process of applying for the grant.
Mr. Hanna replied yes it would. Mr. Schweder, verifying he will
not request that the Resolution be tabled, stated he thinks
that the procedure is improper, and the matter should have been
discussed with the Community Development Committee and with
Council before it reached this step. Mr. Schweder said he would
respectfully suggest that be done going forward.
Mr. Delgrosso, agreeing it is a good project and beneficial
for South Bethlehem and the City, remarked he finds it interesting
that a non-profit institution can obtain $3 million in State
grant funds to build a garage but the City had to obtain a Bond
Issue in order to build the new garage at Main and North Streets
and received no State funding. Mr. Delgrosso expressed that
he congratulates Lehigh University for being able to obtain
the funds.
Mr. Hanna pointed out that Lehigh University agreed to invest
about $27 million in their project known as Campus Square, and
the grant was part of Lehigh's commitment. Mr. Hanna explained
that the $3 million commitment in grant funding made by the
State was an inducement for the project expenditure by Lehigh
University for which a bond was floated. Mr. Hanna added that
the leveraging was about 8 to 1 in terms of Commonwealth dollars.
Ms. Szabo remarked it disturbs her that Mr. Hanna said the proposal
was already filed with the DCED. Mr. Hanna affirmed that it
has been filed because the State has already agreed to fund
the project. Ms. Szabo expressed that Council's vote is useless
in that the filing has already been done.
Dana Grubb, Deputy Director of Community Development, explained
that the process for accessing funding through various State
programs is such that the City must file a Single Application
for Funding Assistance, an on-line website-based application
that is directly transmitted to the Commonwealth. However, when
the document is submitted, Mr. Grubb advised there "are still
a lot of strings that have to be tied up afterwards". Mr. Grubb
continued on to explain once the application is reviewed and
a funding determination is made, then the Commonwealth requests
that the loose strings be tied up. Acknowledging it seems that
the process is backwards, Mr. Grubb advised that one of the
loose strings in this case is a Resolution in support of the
application but that is only after the State has indicated there
is a probability of getting funding. Mr. Grubb expressed his
agreement that it does not make sense that the application for
funding is submitted and then Council is requested to adopt
the authorizing Resolution but that is the way the State handles
this type of grant.
Ms. Szabo asked what would be the procedure if Council would
say no to the Resolution.
Mr. Grubb advised it could possibly delay or potentially reject
the offer of the funding because the Resolution is required
in order to complete the application process.
Mr. Schweder, with reference to Mr. Hanna's comments, said no
one wants to vote down the $1.5 million but the concern is procedurally
there is frustration that this is not the first example of the
way in which things are occurring. At the very least, Mr. Schweder
stressed, it would have been helpful to Council had this been
discussed either informally or formally with the Committee.
Mr. Grubb indicated that the Department will certainly endeavor
to do so and meetings can be scheduled for informational purposes.
Mrs. Belinski questioned why the City has to be the go between,
and why the City cannot use the $1.5 million to improve areas
of the South Side.
Mr. Hanna, replying that the money is allocated for Lehigh University,
advised that the funding program is not unlike the dollars being
made available for the Forte Building. Mr. Hanna highlighted
the fact that the money is not available to the City and the
City cannot use the $1.5 million for anything other than the
Lehigh University garage because the grant is tied specifically
to the University's investment of $25 million. Mr. Hanna pointed
out it just happens to be a procedural item which has to pass
through the City.
Mrs. Belinski expressed she does not think that the $25 million
Lehigh University project is very attractive for that gateway
area.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
C. Amending Rules of Council - Effective Date of Ordinances
Mr. Delgrosso and Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution 13,807 that
amended the Rules of Council to change the effective date of
ordinances to 20 days after final passage by Council and approval
by the Mayor, to be consistent with the provisions of the Optional
Third Class City Charter Law as recommended by the City Solicitor,
by deleting the current provision that Ordinances are effective
10 days after final passage by Council and approval by the Mayor.
(The 10 day effective date provision had been incorporated in
the Rules of Council in 1978 when Council readopted its rules
under Resolution 8881.)
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
D. Authorizing Grant Application - Communities of Opportunity
Program - Forte Building
Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 13,808 which
authorized the filing of a proposal for funds in the amount
of $200,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development under the Communities of Opportunity Program
for the Forte Building being developed by the Community Action
Committee of the Lehigh Valley located at 1345 E. Fifth Street.
Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr.
Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolution
passed.
Motion - Considering Resolutions as a Group
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Schweder moved that Resolutions 11 E through
11 H be considered as a group. Voting AYE on the motion: Mrs.
Belinski, Mr. Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Schweder,
Ms. Szabo, and Mr. Gregory, 7. The motion passed.
E. Certificate of Appropriateness - 355 Broadway
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution 13,809 which
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install an awning
with a sign at 355 Broadway.
F. Certificate of Appropriateness - 25 West Third Street
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution 13,810 which
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install 4 signs
at 25 West Third Street.
Ms. Szabo, with reference to the proposal for a sign that would
be painted on the West facing bricks on the upper part of the
structure and have white background and black letters to read
the Fowler Arts and Education Center, said on the West side
of the building there is a big sign on a white background that
reads Fowler Arts and Education Center. Ms. Szabo questioned
is that the sign that is being referenced in the Certificate
of Appropriateness or will there be another sign added.
Mr. Hanna commented he believes the sign on the building is
the same one that is referenced in the Certificate of Appropriateness.
Ms. Szabo observed it would seem "they jumped the gun and put
up the sign before they applied for it."
Mr. Hanna, advising he cannot answer for that, stated he would
check on the matter.
Mr. Donchez, with reference to Ms. Szabo's remarks about concerns
that have been raised in the past when building owners on Main
Street have made installations prior to Council approval, recalled
that about a year ago as President of Council he had sent a
memorandum to the Historic Boards informing them that no action
should be taken until City Council approves the proposals.
Mrs. Belinski noted her recollection of the historic guidelines
is that white backgrounds were to be discouraged.
Mr. Hanna, noting there are different guidelines for the North
and South Side historic districts, pointed out that the Historic
Officer reviewed the request and concurred with the proposal.
Mr. Hanna agreed to consult the file regarding the findings.
G. Certificate of Appropriateness - 10 East Columbia Street
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution 13,811 which
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to alter the exterior
of the façade of 10 East Columbia Street.
H. Certificate of Appropriateness - 333 South New Street
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Schweder sponsored Resolution 13,812 which
granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a sign at
333 South New Street.
Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 E through 11H: Mrs. Belinski, Mr.
Callahan, Mr. Delgrosso, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo,
and Mr. Gregory, 7. The Resolutions passed.
12. NEW BUSINESS
Rescheduling Second Meeting in May
Mr. Donchez and Mr. Delgrosso moved to reschedule Council's
second meeting in May from Tuesday, May 21, which is Primary
Election Day, to Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 7:30 PM in Town
Hall. Voting AYE on the motion: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. Callahan,
Mr. Delgrosso, Mr. Donchez, Mr. Schweder, Ms. Szabo, and Mr.
Gregory, 7. The motion passed.
Sprinkler Plans
Mr. Donchez requested an update on the requirement for submission
of sprinkler plans for affected buildings.
Kevin Moyzan, Fire Commissioner, advised there is one building,
known as the Flat Iron Building, located at the corner of Fourth
Street and Broadway, for which sprinkler plans have not been
submitted. Fire Commissioner Moyzan, confirming that citations
have been issued, informed the Members that a hearing is expected
to take place at the magistrate's office. Fire Commissioner
Moyzan further informed Mr. Donchez that appeals have been filed.
Proposed Offices at Broad and New Streets - Parking Spaces
Mr. Donchez asked how many contract parking spaces are there
at the Main and North Streets Parking Garage for the offices
at Liberty Center and for the proposed offices at Broad and
New Streets.
Mayor Cunningham explained that people can pay a monthly contract
parking rate at the Main and North Streets Parking Garage and
at the Walnut Street Parking Garage. Other than the 80 contracted
parking spaces as part of the commitments associated with building
the Liberty Center and Main and North Streets Parking Garage,
Mayor Cunningham advised that spaces are on a first come first
served basis. Mayor Cunningham continued on to say there are
roughly 350 monthly contract spaces sold, or about 50%, at the
Main and North Streets Parking Garage. Consequently, when the
developer of the proposed office building at Broad and New Streets
asked whether there was availability if 200 employees wanted
to buy monthly parking spaces, Mayor Cunningham affirmed there
was. Mayor Cunningham further informed Mr. Donchez that although
spaces cannot be reserved for businesses there is a lot of capacity
left in the Main and North Streets Parking Garage.
13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on any subject)
St. Joseph's Church - Sidewalk Replacement
Joseph Bologitz, representing St. Joseph's Catholic Church,
said he had spoken with Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works,
and Mr. Alkhal told Mr. Bologitz that the scheduled sidewalk
replacement in the vicinity of E. Fifth Street will not interfere
with the Church's activities for which Mr. Bologitz expressed
his appreciation.
Community Assets - Vicinity of City of Bethlehem and Lower Saucon
Township
Jim Brown, 1613 Creek Road, advising that he made a list of
the assets in the vicinity of the City of Bethlehem and Lower
Saucon Township, distributed the list to the Members of Council.
Mr. Brown indicated that some of the residents of the area are
getting a reputation as being too outspoken. Mr. Brown continued
on to say "we've had to fight off Lehigh, we've had to fight
off City Hall, and we've had to fight off developers." Mr. Brown,
with reference to the list he made, remarked that is what people
are fighting for and are trying to preserve. Mr. Brown, pointing
out that some of the homes are very valuable, said his home
was built originally in 1802. Mr. Brown remarked that he doubts
whether the new construction in the area by Mr. Reilly will
last a century or two which leads Mr. Brown to conclude that
the old homes should be preserved, and he expressed the hope
that Council would be of the same mind. In addition, Mr. Brown
noted that the Saucon Creek is a Class A trout stream. Mr. Brown
continued on to advise that the Black River floods Creek Road
every time there is excessive rainfall. There is also a Saucon
Creek greenbelt and parks. He pointed out that residents have
taken the time to learn a great deal about the area and they
like it there. Mr. Brown stressed for that reason residents
get angry when a developer comes in and says they want a big
change. Mr. Brown felt that Mr. Reilly would do well to build
upon the idea of compromise, and stated that the residents would
be willing to sit down and discuss what they think are the best
possible solutions for this crisis. Should the residents appear
again, Mr. Brown said he hopes that Council will not feel that
they are so ornery but rather that the residents are merely
trying to protect what they think is a valuable part of Bethlehem.
Creek Road and Friedensville Road - Traffic, Rezoning Request,
and Proposed Development
Tim Reinhard, 1765 Creek Road, focusing on the issue of safety,
explained that in the four years since he moved there, the traffic
has increased tremendously. Mr. Reinhard, stressing that people
are using Creek Road as a shortcut to avoid traveling on Route
412 through Hellertown, asserted that people speed on Creek
Road continuously and nothing seems to be done about it. Mr.
Reinhard, questioning how fire and police personnel would get
to the opposite end of Creek Road because they cannot go through
Hellertown as it would take too long, further queried how safety
vehicles could get through in view of the narrowness of the
road and the speed of the traffic. Commenting he is concerned
about the safety of "what's going in down there", Mr. Reinhard
also expressed concern about environmental issues and about
flooding, and wondered what type of drainage and sewerage systems
would be installed.
Joris Rosse, 1966 Creek Road, asked what the procedure will
be if Mr. Reilly may come forth with a proposal or a choice
that either he would build on the 9 acres the number of units
that would be permitted under the current zoning, or there could
be a choice to go with Mr. Reilly's 90 unit apartment request.
Mr. Rosse continued on to remark that if Mr. Reilly's 90 unit
request is refused then it seems Mr. Reilly would cut down the
trees. Mr. Rosse questioned is Mr. Reilly withdrawing the rezoning
request as was read into the record earlier, or will there be
a "new fangled procedure…".
President Gregory, affirming that the letter was received withdrawing
the rezoning request, explained at least for now the assumption
is that the developer is not looking to build the apartments
which were part of the rezoning request. President Gregory,
confirming that the 9 acres is presently zoned RR Residential,
advised that if the developer chooses to build houses that would
not come before City Council but rather he assumes it would
go before the Planning Bureau. In further response to Mr. Rosse,
President Gregory communicated it would be his understanding
from reading the article in the Morning Call that Mr. Reilly
may plan to contact some of the residents in the vicinity of
Creek Road. President Gregory reiterated that Council's only
official notification is that the rezoning request has been
withdrawn.
Shelagh Maloney, 1919 Creek Road, advised "we did speak with
J. B. Reilly this evening…and he's interested in meeting with
the residents of Creek Road." With further reference to the
article in the Morning Call, Ms. Maloney continued on to say
"apparently he will have to, to make it economically feasible
for him to build single family homes, because he says that there
are developers lined up behind him who want to develop the property
as well, and he was trying to work it into his current project,
he'd have to take down the trees to widen the road…".
Ms. Maloney thanked Mr. Donchez who, she said it is her understanding,
made an offer to contact the Police Department about traffic
in the area.
Mr. Donchez affirmed that the Police Commissioner will receive
a memorandum tomorrow.
Ms. Maloney stated that, although Mr. Reilly presented a traffic
study that said traffic has decreased, since the construction
of the Giant food store that was built after the traffic study,
the traffic has increased and the drivers traveling 50 miles
per hour are virtually unchecked.
Mr. Reinhard questioned if the matter would now go before the
Planning Commission.
President Gregory replied he does not know the situation with
the 9 acre property in question and does not know if Mr. Reilly
has purchased it.
Mayor Cunningham advised that if plans were to be filed then
they would go to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Reinhard asked if there is any way for the citizens to find
out what is happening when regarding the Planning Commission
or City Council.
President Gregory informed Mr. Reinhard that a letter of notification
will be sent.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
ATTEST:
City Clerk |
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