Council MInutes

July 20, 2010

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 7:00 PM

1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL

President Robert J. Donchez called the meeting to order. Reverend Doctor Gary Langensiepen, St. John’s Windish Lutheran Church, offered the invocation which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were Jean Belinski, David T. DiGiacinto, Karen Dolan, Eric R. Evans, Gordon B. Mowrer, J. William Reynolds, and Robert J. Donchez, 7.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of July 6, 2010 were approved.

5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on Ordinances and Resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit)

Main Street Parking Improvements

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, thought that, even though it is being withdrawn, it would be a good idea to reconsider the matter of the Main Street Parking Improvements.

6. OLD BUSINESS.

A. Tabled Items

None.

B. Unfinished Business

1. Establishing Article 1716 – Landmarks and Properties of Historical Interest
(Assigned to Preservation Plan Task Force)

C. Old Business – Members of Council

Skate Park Opening

Mr. Evans congratulated the Mayor, Ralph Carp, Director of Parks and Public Property, and the Administration on the opening of the Skate Park. Adding that a terrific job was done, Mr. Evans pointed out that the weekend activities were great, and crowds at the opening were huge.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

A. ArtsQuest – Withdrawing Street Renaming Request – Founders Way to SteelStacks Boulevard

The Clerk read a letter dated July 2, 2010 from Jeffrey A. Parks, President of ArtsQuest, withdrawing their request for changing the name of Founders Way to SteelStacks Boulevard. To accomplish their original goal of helping visitors find their way to the SteelStacks campus, ArtsQuest has come to an agreement to erect a sign at the northeast corner of Third Street and Founders Way which will offer more complete information to visitors with regard to the SteelStacks campus and the various destinations at the campus.

President Donchez, affirming that the Resolution for the Street Renaming request was tabled at the June 15 Council Meeting, stated that under Agenda Item 11, Resolutions, he will accept a motion to take the Resolution off the Table and vote it down.

B. Steelworkers’ Archives, Inc. – Steelworkers Plaza

The Clerk read a letter dated June 28, 2010 from Frank Behum, Sr. of the Steelworkers Archives requesting that the Steelworkers Plaza park be changed to a Memorial and to keep all venues off the bricks, and asking that maintenance matters be addressed.

President Donchez referred the matter to the Parks and Public Property Committee.
8. REPORTS

A. President of Council

Rescheduling Public Hearing - Increasing Zoning Hearing Board Membership

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Evans moved to set the date of the Public Hearing on the proposal to increase the Zoning Hearing Board membership on September 7, instead of August 17.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

B. Mayor

1. Administrative Order – Joseph B. Hoffmeier, Jr. – Parking Authority

Mayor Callahan reappointed Joseph B. Hoffmeier, Jr. to membership on the Parking Authority effective until July 2015. Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2010-101 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

2. Administrative Order – Michael Recchiuti – Parking Authority

Mayor Callahan reappointed Michael D. Recchiuti to membership on the Parking Authority effective until March 2015. Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No.
2010-102 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

3. Administrative Order – Gordon R. Barry – Electricians’ Examining Board

Mayor Callahan reappointed Gordon R. Barry to membership on the Electricians’ Examining Board effective until July 2013. Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2010-103 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

4. Administrative Order – Luke R. Cunningham – Electricians’ Examining Board

Mayor Callahan reappointed Luke R. Cunningham to membership on the Electricians’ Examining Board effective until July 2013. Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2010-104 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

5. Administrative Order – Kenneth C. Miller – Electricians’ Examining Board

Mayor Callahan reappointed Kenneth C. Miller to membership on the Electricians’ Examining Board effective until July 2013. Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2010-105 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

6. Administrative Order – Luke R. Cunningham – Civil Service Board – Engineers and Electricians

Mayor Callahan reappointed Luke R. Cunningham to membership on the Civil Service Board – Engineers’ and Electricians’ effective until 2014. Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2010-106 to confirm the appointment.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

South Main Street Parking Project - Time Line

Mayor Callahan presented a power point presentation of the following time line for the South Main Street Parking Project:

July 11, 2007 – Administration was invited by Board of Directors of the Moravian Book Shop to a "Parking Summit" scheduled for September 12, 2007 at the Book Shop. The July 11, 2007 letter indicates: "The Book Shop Board and Management firmly believe that the continued growth and vitality of the southern portion of the "Main Street corridor" requires priority consideration and attention to alleviating the lack of convenient parking. A recent in-store survey conducted by the Book Shop identifies the lack of convenient parking as the number one reason that patrons do not shop at the Book Shop more frequently. For the Book Shop to continue to serve as the southern "anchor" to the Main Street corridor, both short and long term answers must be found to alleviate this problem." Mayor Callahan, affirming that was the need identified to the Administration by the largest anchor store at the southern end of Main Street, added that the Moravian Book Shop is the oldest continuously operating book store in the world. Mayor Callahan acknowledged that the challenges of independent book stores are understood.

October 2007 — Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem Area Moravians, Inc., Moravian College, and Moravian Book Shop send contributions of $5,000 each toward an historic corridor parking feasibility study.

August 21, 2008 — Administration was invited by Board of Directors of the Moravian Book Shop to a second "Parking Caucus" scheduled for October 22, 2008 at the Book Shop.

March 23, 2009 — Downtown Bethlehem Association (DBA) meeting in Town Hall for presentation on South Main Street Parking Solutions by Pennoni Associates. Recommendations from the parking study were discussed which included back-in angle parking along the east and west sides of south Main Street. Attendees at the meeting expressed support for the back-in angle parking solutions presented by Pennoni Associates.

April 28, 2009 - Public Works Department requested a meeting with PennDOT at the South end of Main Street to discuss backing in angle parking plan.

May 2009 — Larry Mika of Engineering Bureau begins design process to implement plan. Pennoni Associates retained to modify traffic signal with new parking scheme on the east side of street only.

September 2009 — City begins design process for back-in angle parking on the west side of south Main Street.

October 13, 2009 — PennDOT approved plan for east side of Main Street.

October 20, 2009 - Parking stalls were painted and signed on east side of Main Street.

February 4, 2010 - Public Works in-house meeting

February 17, 2010 - Public Works in-house meeting

February 19, 2010 - Meeting with Historic Bethlehem Partnership (HBP), Hotel Bethlehem, Moravian Book Shop, Central Moravian Church, DBA, and Chamber of Commerce. All parties present at this meeting expressed support for the proposed design of the back-in angle parking and retaining wall on the west side of south Main Street.

April 30, 2010 - Meeting with Charlene Donchez Mowers of HBP and Tim Tenges of Central Moravian Church. Both reiterated their support for the design of the project.

June 1, 2010 - City receives final approval from PennDOT for parking scheme on the west side of Main Street.

June 2010 - Prior to presentation at HARB meeting Larry Mika had a phone conversation with Tim Tenges of Central Moravian Church confirming his support of the design of the project.
June 2, 2010 - Public Works Department presentation at HARB meeting.

July 6, 2010 - Public Works Committee meeting.

Mayor Callahan expressed that he presented the information to allay concerns that the Administration did not have the proper respect for the site, or did not engage the property owners adjacent to the site, or did not have concern for the historic nature of the site, aesthetics and importance of the site to downtown Bethlehem. Mayor Callahan stressed that at no time in the entire process did anyone from the HBP or other entities including the Church, College, or Book Shop express anything but support, and did not express concern about the historic nature of the site, the Pottery notwithstanding. Mayor Callahan next pointed to aerial photographs of the site prior to excavation before the Smithy was unearthed, shaving of the hillside before exposing the foundation of the Smithy and the wall for the Pottery, excavation work done in 1998 at the time when Tony Hanna, now Director of Community and Economic Development, was executive director of HBI, and restoration of the hillside. It concluded with an overlay showing the current proposed parking project that would encroach about 20 feet into the area, moving the sidewalk over, installing lighting, and taking care of a major drainage issue in the area. In addition, Mayor Callahan pointed to the viewshed before and after the proposed parking project as had been requested by Ms. Dolan at the Public Works Committee meeting on July 6, 2010.

Mayor Callahan affirmed that the design, architecture, and implementation of a solution was reviewed with all of the property owners in the area, including the HBP.

Mayor Callahan, confirming that he sent a memorandum to the City Clerk’s Office this afternoon, read the memorandum in which it was stated that in light of the recent change of position of the property owners at the south end of Main Street, the Mayor would like to inform City Council that the Administration is no longer pursuing the back-in angle parking project on the south end of Main Street, and advising that during his report this evening he will be sharing with Council how the funds will be utilized. Mayor Callahan added that if property owners have a change of opinion, then the Administration no longer wants to move forward with the project. Mayor Callahan informed the Members he will suggest for the next Finance Committee meeting that $300,000 from the 2007 Bond monies in the Non-Utility Capital Budget slated to be used for the project be transferred to offset the costs associated with repairing the Ice Rink.

9. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE

None.

10. NEW ORDINANCES

None.

11. RESOLUTIONS

A. Authorizing 2010 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

Ms. Dolan and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2010-107 that authorized the execution of the grant award documents for a $59,161 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to be used by the Police Department to replace computers and purchase related items, and to replace duty handguns.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

B. Approving Special Event Parking Fines – Musikfest 2010

Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution No. 2009-108 that declared a Special Condition under Article 531 of the Codified Ordinances for increased parking fines during Musikfest 2010 for the period from 12:00 Noon, Friday, August 6, 2010 through 12:00 Midnight at the end of Sunday, August 15, 2010.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

Motion – Considering Resolutions as a Group

Mrs. Belinski and Mr. Mowrer moved to consider Resolutions 11 C through 11 H as a group. Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

C. Certificate of Appropriateness – 520 Main Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-109 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two signs on the façade of 520 Main Street.

D. Certificate of Appropriateness – 453 Main Street

Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2010-110 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install two projecting signs and vinyl lettering on doors at 453 Main Street.

E. Certificate of Appropriateness – 516 Main Street

Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan sponsored Resolution 2010-111 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a hanging sign on an existing wrought iron bracket, a new awning with graphics and vinyl graphics and lettering in the windows at 516 Main Street.

F. Certificate of Appropriateness – 241 East Church Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-112 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a 6’ x 10’ storage shed in the rear yard at 241 East Church Street.

G. Certificate of Appropriateness – 26 West Market Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-113 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a lean-to greenhouse 8’5”x 24’11” on the east wall of the house at 26 West Market Street.

H. Certificate of Appropriateness – 42 East Wall Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. Mowrer sponsored Resolution 2010-114 that granted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace three second-floor windows at 42 East Wall Street.

Voting AYE on Resolutions 11 C through 11 H: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolutions passed.

Motion – Adding Resolution 11 I to the Agenda

Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Evans moved to add Resolution 11 I to the Agenda.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

I. Certificate of Approval – Hours of Operation – Vendor Cart – 15 West Fourth Street

Ms. Dolan and Mr. DiGiacinto sponsored Resolution 2010-115 that granted a Certificate of Approval for the hours of operation for a “hotdog cart” on the sidewalk in front of 15 West Fourth Street that shall be Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 AM to 2:30 AM.

In response to Mr. DiGiacinto, Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, explained that, as noted in his memorandum of July 13, 2010, he contacted Chris Ussler, Historic Officer. It was explained that the street vendor committee had stated this use at this location for these hours will add to the night life and be a benefit to the safety of the area.

Ms. Dolan, noting this vendor has been operating under similar hours in Easton, affirmed that she contacted City representatives and there have been no problems or issues.

President Donchez observed that Mr. Morales followed the letter of the law and made every effort to have everything complete in order to obtain a street vending license.

Mr. Mowrer, commenting he will go along with it, expressed that the hours may not be potentially good.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution passed.

Motion – Taking Resolution 11 J from the Table

Mr. Evans and Ms. Dolan moved to take Resolution 11 J off the Table that was tabled at the June 15, 2010 City Council Meeting.

Voting AYE: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The motion passed.

J. Street Renaming – Founders Way to SteelStacks Boulevard

The Clerk read the Resolution sponsored by Ms. Dolan and Mr. Reynolds to change the street name of Founders Way to SteelStacks Boulevard.

President Donchez affirmed that a vote of No will vote down the Resolution in view of the fact that ArtsQuest has withdrawn the street renaming request.

Voting NAY: Mrs. Belinski, Mr. DiGiacinto, Ms. Dolan, Mr. Evans, Mr. Mowrer, Mr. Reynolds, and Mr. Donchez, 7. The Resolution failed.

12. NEW BUSINESS.

CDBG Budget - $75,000 - Main Street Parking Project

Mr. DiGiacinto noted, in view of the Mayor’s statements recommending that funding for the Main Street Parking Project be utilized instead towards the Ice Rink repairs, it still needs to be considered what will happen with the $75,000 in the CDBG Budget for the Main Street Parking Project that had been approved at the July 6 City Council Meeting under Ordinance 2010 – 17.

Mr. Hanna, advising that a recommendation will be forwarded to the Finance Committee regarding the matter, affirmed that the funding will not be spent on the project.

Mr. Reynolds queried if the Mayor would have moved forward on the project if he did not have the support of property owners at the south end of Main Street.

Mayor Callahan, responding absolutely not, pointed out that the Administration went to great lengths to obtain funding for the study and to solve the parking problem. Mayor Callahan restated that the Administration received input at each step and at no point until recently did anyone express any concerns about the parking improvement plan and there was total support for the plan. Mayor Callahan reiterated his understanding of the sensitivity and importance of the area.

Mr. Reynolds, confirming that he and President Donchez attended some of the parking caucus meetings, expressed his agreement that the Administration was responding to a proposed parking plan that had been requested by property owners in the area. Mr. Reynolds wondered how deep was the excavation work in the late 1990’s.

Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, noted that in reviewing the pictures and a scale the excavation exceeded what would have been implemented for the South Main Street Parking Improvement Project.

Mr. Reynolds asked the estimate of what was spent for the proposed parking improvement project.

Mayor Callahan replied that a calculation can be provided, not only for the Pennoni study, but for the work done by the Public Works Department, etc.

Mr. Mowrer highlighted the fact that when he was Mayor the history of the City was one of his top priorities. Mr. Mowrer, adding that he is a board member of the Moravian Book Shop, pointed out it is an anchor store in Bethlehem’s downtown and he strongly supports the store. Mr. Mowrer continued on to say that more parking is needed and stressed how difficult the economic conditions are. Adding it was known that identifying a parking solution had to be a team effort, Mr. Mowrer enumerated the various other parties that were contacted. Mr. Mowrer affirmed that the parties approached the Mayor to ask what can be done to help the parking situation in downtown Bethlehem, and asked for the City’s help. Mr. Mowrer observed it was not until the last City Council Meeting when individuals came and presented something new. Consequently, what people thought was the right thing to do and expend money for was halted at the last minute. Mr. Mowrer highlighted the fact that the parties involved in the parking project were out in the public concerning the matter and no one called him to say they were opposed to the parking proposal. Mr. Mowrer, expressing his disappointment that the matter occurred this way, thought if there were concerns they should have been brought out at the beginning of the process. Mr. Mowrer expressed his support for the Mayor’s comments this evening and what the Moravian Book Shop has wanted, and hoped that a compromise will come out of the matter.

Mr. DiGiacinto, commenting he is not sure what are the total project costs to repair the Ice Rink, noted has heard numbers above $300,000. Observing that Mr. Carp has also requested the use of funds from the Recreation Fees account towards repair of the Ice Rink, Mr. DiGiacinto stated he hopes that is the most essential use of those funds.

Ms. Dolan, referring to the last minute information from a 1970’s report presented at the July 6, 2010 City Council Meeting describing disagreements with work done in the 1960’s at the Smithy site, communicated her thoughts that there is some attempt to revise some aspects of the history of the matter. Ms. Dolan pointed out that the Pennoni study mentioned there is no actual parking shortage but instead there is a perceived shortage. Recalling a recommendation to increase signage directing drivers to existing parking and additional marketing of the Park and Shop Program, Ms. Dolan noted she was recently advised those recommendations had not been undertaken to any large extent. Ms. Dolan denoted there was no Certificate of Appropriateness sought at the HARB meeting at which the Main Street Parking Improvements project was presented. Recounting she had stated at the last Council Meeting that the State legislation does not require that municipalities doing public improvements seek Certificates of Appropriateness, Ms. Dolan highlighted the fact that the City’s Ordinance states that a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for public improvements. Ms. Dolan explained that the City has requested Certificates of Appropriateness for public improvements in the past. Ms. Dolan remarked that a mistake was made in the case of the Main Street Parking Improvements project in not obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness. Ms. Dolan stressed that landscaping of the proposed area is key, wondered whether historic experts were called in to work with the City’s engineers on the project, and acknowledged the costs involved in hiring historic experts. Confirming that while extensive work was done at the site in the 1990’s, Ms. Dolan pointed out it was not an archeological dig. Ms. Dolan advised that a Phase I excavation was required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act because Federal funds were proposed. Ms. Dolan asserted that, as was noted in the report from the 1970’s, if one does not learn from mistakes then the mistakes will be repeated. Ms. Dolan communicated that if the City is not acknowledging that it almost broke the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act then the City should learn from those potential mistakes and not be satisfied. Ms. Dolan said she does not feel satisfied with the process. Ms. Dolan noted that, while some Members of Council may have informally been invited to the Parking Caucus meetings, she does not understand how a major project like this could have been presented visually on the night on which City Council was supposed to vote on it. Ms. Dolan stated she is asking that the Community Development Committee have the additional responsibility of keeping a closer eye on historical and related issues, in response to mistakes potentially made and that could have been irreparable. Ms. Dolan advised that she will send a memorandum to President Donchez. Ms. Dolan commented that an individual who works at the Smithsonian in conversation with Mr. Hanna debated whether it was an excavation in the 1990’s.

Committee Meeting Announcements

Chairwoman Dolan announced a Community Development Committee meeting on July 22, 2010 at 6:00 PM in Town Hall to review the proposed new Zoning Ordinance.

Chairman Reynolds announced a Finance Committee meeting on July 26, 2010 at 7:30 PM in Town Hall to discuss budget transfers and amendments.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

South Main Street Parking Improvements Plan

Peter Crownfield, 569 Brighton Street, said he would like Attorney Spadoni to clarify whether a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for public improvement work in the Historic District. Attorney Spadoni replied yes. Mr. Crownfield, asserting that it was not a very public process for the Main Street Parking Improvements project, thought that more people would have spoken up earlier if they had known about it.

Bill Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, thanked the Mayor for reviewing Main Street Parking Improvements project timeline and observed that all the stakeholders were involved. However, communicating that the public was not involved, Mr. Scheirer said he finds it emblematic of a general syndrome in the City. Mr. Scheirer expressed his opinion that it is a situation of government by a group of selected individuals who get together to work out solutions and then present them to the public. Mr. Scheirer, submitting this is not good enough and can be wasteful, stated the public needs to be involved more.

Zoning Hearing Board

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, noted at a Zoning Hearing Board meeting the Diocese of Allentown asked for a variance to change the zoning at Selfridge and Buchanan Streets from Residential to allow a parking lot. Mr. Antalics explained that the parking lot was available at St. John’s Church if needed, as well as parking lots from three closed parishes. Mr. Antalics remarked when there was full attendance the church had no parking lot but now attendance is less and they need a parking lot. Mr. Antalics thought that the church should have made the presentation to the Zoning Hearing Board rather than the Diocese. Mr. Antalics advised that, after meeting in executive session, the Zoning Hearing Board approved the zoning change. Mr. Antalics asserted it is critical that all forms of City government should jointly make appointments to authorities, boards and commissions. Mr. Antalics communicated this could prevent such decisions as turning single family homes into parking lots for no reason.

Transportation and Back-In Parking

Dean Bruch, 555 Spring Street, observed that festivals and the Sands Casino provide transportation services for visitors and businesses provide a few hours of free parking for customers. Mr. Bruch wondered if the City receives anything from the parking spaces under the bridge provided to the guests of Hotel Bethlehem. Mr. Bruch thought there should be some type of transportation from a central point for parking and the various parties should contribute to it. Mr. Bruch questioned whether the Police have had any situations with back-in angle parking to which Police Commissioner Bedics replied not that he is aware of.

South Main Street Parking Improvements Plan; Archeology

Lanie Graf, 529 Heyer Mill Road, thanked the Mayor for withdrawing the proposal regarding the Main Street Parking project and commented it was the right decision that shows a lot of stewardship. Ms. Graf observed it is a shame that so much time and money was spent to support a study done under the false assumption that archeological work was done in 1998. Ms. Graf affirmed that City Council has received comments from Dr. Benjamin Carter at Muhlenberg College, a Smithsonian Fellow, and qualified archeologist, and hoped the comments will be taken seriously. Ms. Graf stated that nothing archeological was found in 1998 because no one looked for it at the time. She continued on to say the speculation has misled downtown business owners, church administrators, historic organizations, and the trusting public. Noting that as executive director of HBP at the time Mr. Hanna knew that no archeologist was involved with the excavation and no archeological work was done on site, Ms. Graf said the archeology that was done in the 1990’s was simply archival research and review of archeological reports from the 1970’s that are far from conclusive. Ms. Graf stressed that no one knows what remains below the surface, and the integrity of the site was endangered in 1998 by bulldozing without an archeological investigation. Emphasizing it was appalling to see from the depictions shown earlier this evening that half of the Smithy would be covered up, Ms. Graf remarked it is an obstruction of historic views. Ms. Graf pointed out that $2 million was raised from the HBP’s Window on Main Street campaign in 1998 to remove obstructions from the site, and now a wall of cars was being considered and an artificial wall near the Smithy that would have led to gradual destruction of the historic infrastructure. Ms. Graf enumerated the various parties involved that have now pulled support for the project as a result of the facts presented. Ms. Graf stated the Archives would like to see the Moravian Book Shop get more parking by exploring other options in non-historically sensitive areas.

Bruce Haines, 65 W. Market Street, managing partner of the Hotel Bethlehem, affirmed that the Hotel participated in funding the parking study and in most of the meetings. Mr. Haines also confirmed that he spoke in support of the parking project at the last City Council Meeting. Mr. Haines noted the citizens had a chance for the first time at that Meeting to make their comments. Mr. Haines stated as a supporter initially of the project with the assumption that the HARB and others were looking after the matter, he listened with the citizens, and at the end of the Meeting he requested that the project be put on hold. Mr. Haines noted that neither the Mayor or Mr. Hanna were at the last Council Meeting to hear the public outcry. Mr. Haines felt people should be proud that happened and that the project is being held back. Mr. Haines pointed out that the Pennoni study recommended a 250 space parking garage between the Main Street Commons garage and the Hotel Bethlehem garage. The angle parking on Main Street was ancillary and more immediate because the funds are not available to build another parking garage. Mr. Haines advised that at the first meeting he and the Executive Director of the Parking Authority asked the City to consider the Hill to Hill Bridge ramp as an option for additional parking, but the option was not pursued. Mr. Haines said he is happy the City withdrew its support for the parking project. Mr. Haines affirmed he submitted alternative proposals to Members of Council and the Administration to add parking on Main Street without obstructing the view of the Smithy and added it would cost very little to put angle parking on the other side of Main Street. Mr. Haines expressed his disappointment that the proposal tonight is to withdraw all the funds for any additional parking and transfer it somewhere else, but not to look for alternatives that make sense. Mr. Haines added that funds should be diverted to look at parking off the Hill to Hill Bridge, on the other side of Main Street, and also to enhance the Window on Main Street idea.

Steve Schmitt, 531 W. Third Street, Director of Coalition for Appropriate Transportation, and a certified instructor of bicycling, handed out drawings showing how back-in angle parking is safer from a bicycling perspective. Mr. Schmitt, affirming that studies show that back in angle parking is significantly safer, with approximately 25% less crashes than pull in angle parking, explained the diagram to the assembly to demonstrate the point and how easy it is for motorists and cyclists to see each other. He added that the most recent in-depth study was done by PennDot in 2001 in Pottsville.

Attorney Richard Santee, 1251 Biafore Avenue, Hanover Township, said he is the president of the Moravian Book Shop Board that is a volunteer organization and an entity of Moravian Church. Attorney Santee affirmed that he along with other shareholders met with the Mayor and Mr. Hanna who all endorsed the proposition that limited parking on the south end of Main Street inhibits the growth and vitality of the downtown business district and will ultimately negatively impact the City as a whole. Attorney Santee informed the Members that the need for adequate, available and convenient parking was endorsed by more than 30 people including 3 shop owners whose businesses on the south end of Main Street have now closed. He added there are four more vacancies on Main Street. Attorney Santee thanked the Mayor for listening to the pleas of the merchants more than three years ago, and hiring an expert to study the problem. Attorney Santee explained the south end of Main Street is 250 parking spaces short. Advising that historic groups were part of the process, Attorney Santee said at no time did it ever come to light that there was an objection and an issue. Attorney Santee stressed that three years later there is still a parking crisis on the south end of Main Street that forms a significant part of the life of the City, and is highlighted by the business vacancies. Pointing out that the Main Street Parking Improvement plan was a way to meet the needs of the local businesses that face competition from larger businesses and in a difficult economy, Attorney Santee remarked it is a shame that it has to end this way.

Brenda Hornsby Heindl, 325 North Asheboro Street, Liberty, North Carolina stated she is a recent graduate of the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture and will begin work at Duke University in the Fall. Ms. Heindl informed the assembly that she wrote her Master’s thesis on the Moravian Pottery. Ms. Heindl advised that by 1754 there were nearly fifty trades operating in Bethlehem, most in the Colonial Industrial Quarter, but many of the buildings that housed these trades are no longer seen. Ms. Heindl explained what was ignored during the planning of the project was archeology. Pointing out there has never been an archeological investigation of that area, Ms. Heindl stressed that the place where the parking spaces are proposed should be archeologically excavated before any future projects are pursued. While some of the area of the Pottery had been excavated in 1970 and partially in 1976-1977, the surviving documentation from those excavations is scant. Because the excavation documents for the Pottery site were also discarded, the opportunity for further investigation should be taken because it would provide comparative dated material. After 16 months of research, Ms. Heindl notified the assembly she found that Bethlehem was a part of an interconnected web of economic trade, and the materials produced here were sent to places locally, regionally, and even as far as the Virgin Islands. However, there were gaps in the archeological information for the Pottery. Removing the opportunity to learn about the historical city of Bethlehem through further archaeological investigation only lessens the understanding of the industry and the vast connections that made Bethlehem into a thriving town and the community that it is today. Because many of the original buildings from the early Moravian community no longer exist, one can only understand these missing pieces through archaeology and documentary evidence. As mentioned, much of the area in front of the Pottery and Blacksmith buildings has not been archeologically excavated. Ms. Heindl noted she has provided maps in order to show the over 1,500 square feet of ground that has not been archeologically excavated, and that would elaborate the story of Bethlehem’s history. Because archeological investigation is a requirement under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, there is an excellent opportunity to unveil a poorly documented part of Bethlehem’s history. Because no archeological survey was completed in 1998 when much of the earth surrounding the Pottery and Blacksmith was removed it is even more pertinent to this proposal to perform an archeological investigation. Photographs shown from the razing of the site in 1998 do not provide enough information for the impact of that project on the archeological artifacts of that area but simply show that a lot of surface level work was completed. If an 18th Century level had been reached and previous reports made, large sections of plaster would have been found that had been put there in 1970, and razing would have been 7 to 10 feet below surface level. Ms. Heindl highlighted a recent example of artifacts surviving a razing that was seen at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City when an 18th Century boat was uncovered. She stressed the importance of the Moravian industries such as the Pottery and the Blacksmith which supported the economic infrastructure of one of America’s early prestigious communities. Each part of town, whether with buildings still standing or several feet below surface level, is rich with the unique history of an industrious group of people who created one of the most noted and visited towns of early America. Ms. Heindl stressed that the area in front of the Pottery and Blacksmith buildings is historically and archaeologically important and should be treated as such when considering any project in the future. Ms. Heindl asked City officials to reassess the importance of Bethlehem’s history, whether visible or not, before losing what remains.

Various Issues

Eddie Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, explained that the Monocacy Creek is level with the ground and the water flows onto the ground level at the old water works building and thought that a retaining wall should be placed there. Mr. Rodriquez wanted to know whether the angle of the cars to be parked on Main Street would be towards the Hill to Hill Bridge or Main Street, and expressed his concern about cars coming off the Bridge having to wait until a driver backs in the vehicle to park. Mr. Rodriquez, stating that the area where the vendor will operate until 2:30 a.m. is a drug trafficking area, communicated it could be unsafe for the vendor to work until that late hour. Mr. Rodriquez asked that the hours be changed. Mr. Rodriquez wondered whether the rental of student housing is discriminatory. Mr. Rodriquez stressed that he calls every day about abandoned buildings and garbage on sidewalks. Mr. Rodriquez said curbside trees are being cut down without permits and are not being replaced.

Damage to Adjoining Property – Ontario Street

Mike Thompson, 632 Ontario Street, advised that the person living next to him is doing work and is damaging his property, and said he gets no results from City officials. Mr. Thompson related that someone from the City was going to come to his house, and added he has pictures of the damage.

President Donchez noted that when Mr. Thompson visited State Representative Brennan’s office last Thursday, the information provided by Mr. Thompson was forwarded to the Community and Economic Development Department. In follow-up e-mails, the Chief Housing Inspector affirmed that he would review the matter, and Mr. Hanna requested that the staff ascertain whether permits were pulled. President Donchez informed Mr. Thompson that the response will be provided as soon as it is received.

Main Street Parking Project -Voting

Julie Maserjan, 514 Pine Top Trail, communicated that as a board member of the Moravian Book Store perhaps Mr. Mowrer should have recused himself from voting on the issue of the Main Street Parking project.

Main Street Parking Project and Other Issues

Dana Grubb, 2420 Henderson Place, referring to an Express-Times article, pointed out that Mountain Drive is being funded with CDBG money and noted he had raised the issue of the project’s eligibility last year. Mr. Grubb asserted that the project is not eligible. Mr. Grubb said property owners on the South Side are required to make the tree grates level with the ground to avoid a tripping hazard. Advising that some grates have been removed, Mr. Grubb highlighted the fact that the grates were installed with public dollars. Mr. Grubb, stating there is still a parking issue on Main Street, did not think the money should be put anywhere else but at that issue. Mr. Grubb added that the Hill to Hill Bridge ramp is a viable alternative for parking. Mr. Grubb communicated that if the public had been involved in the Main Street parking issue it may have never reached this point. Mr. Grubb stated that the CDBG funding for the Main Street Parking project should be transferred into Unprogrammed Funds. Mr. Grubb highlighted the fact that there is another important vista below the Smithy area as one stands on the wooden bridge that crosses the Monocacy Creek.

Mary Pongracz, 321 W. Fourth Street, stressing it is an insult to laugh at an individual who makes a comment or suggestion, highlighted the fact that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Observing that one can walk from the Hotel Bethlehem to the parking garage in the same amount of time as from the Hill to Hill Bridge ramp, Ms. Pongracz stated perhaps the City should publicize the parking that is already available. Ms. Pongracz queried whether parking is the main issue or whether the preservation of the history of the City is the more important consideration.

Danielle Notaro, 1407 Spring Street, said she did not know about the Main Street parking issue until today and she is glad it is being held back at this point. Ms. Notaro, noting she has been unemployed for over a year and a half, explained that she goes to downtown to meet with people to talk about the challenging economic situation. Ms. Notaro informed the assembly she has noticed there are signs notifying people that they have to get permits to park under the Bridge.

South Main Street Parking Project - Archeology

Silas Chamberlain, representative of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, affirmed that a letter was distributed to the Members of Council advising the group’s objections to the Main Street Parking Improvement plan. Mr. Chamberlain expressed that the group is happy that the plan has been withdrawn. Mr. Chamberlain, affirming that has had been stated by Ms. Graf there has never been an archeological report done on the hillside despite an indication from the Administration otherwise, stressed this is where an active preservation community is of benefit. Mr. Chamberlain stressed that although excavation work was done at the site in 1998 but was not documented or studied does not mean that it should not be done now. Mr. Chamberlain expressed he would hope the City would want to hold itself to the standard of the law as noted in Section 106. Mr. Chamberlain thought the idea of supplying parking directly in front of a business is a type of planning that went out of style 50 years ago. He pointed out that the idea of parking a few blocks away, passing other businesses, window shopping, or going into a café is a great way to spur economic development. Recounting that Jeff Speck, a walkability specialist, was hired by the City two years ago, Mr. Chamberlain noted that in Mr. Speck’s report the idea of walking in a downtown was addressed as well as the South Main Street parking issue that he recommended against. Mr. Chamberlain commented that HBP is one part of a dynamic historic preservation community and there are a lot of stakeholders who, when finally made aware of what was happening, became involved.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.