Month: July 2019

Looking at BPA numbers (1)

(93rd in a series of posts on parking)

Let’s look at the “pro forma” presented at the July 2 City Council meeting to support the BPA’s ability to carry a private loan for construction of the $16.8m Polk Street Garage.

BPA Presentation – 7-2-19 – City Council – DRAFT

Here are some of the things that Gadfly’s thinking about browsing the document:

  • Note two “scenarios”: 1) the financial bottom line with an increase in fines in tandem with the increase in meter rates that occurred in January and 2) the financial bottom line without an increase.
  • The rather surprising conclusion is that the fine increases are not necessary to service the private loan debt.
  • One wonders, then, how strongly the BPA will push for the proposed increase in the fine structure.
  • The BPA indicates it will push for the fine increases for “policy” reasons — there is an industry standard for the relationship between meter rates and fines and higher fines help increase curbside turnover that is good for business.
  • Logically, commonsensically, violations need to incur a substantial financial penalty to do their work.
  • But, again, the fine money is not needed for the loan.
  • Parenthetically, Gadfly has sensed no hue and cry among the parking populace about the 50% rise in meter rates January 1 nor has there been dire catastrophe, as predicted, in the past six months from not raising the penalty rates.
  • As far as Gadfly can tell, the public has been comfortable with the rise in meter rates and would presumably be so with a rise in fines.
  • Which is not to say that those with budget oversight should ignore the situation.
  • Focus on line 31 “Parking violations — total” in both scenarios and focus on column 4 — 2021 — the probable first year of PSG operation.
  • In scenario 1, with a fine increase the revenue is $1,494,638.
  • In scenario 2, without a fine increase the revenue is $1,450,296.
  • The difference is $44,342.
  • Barely a blip in an estimated revenue budget that year of $7,396,635.
  • On p. 73 of the Desman Parking Study, we find that raising the fine structure would have an “Estimated Revenue Impact: $400,000 annually.”
  • How does that square with $44,342?

Let’s look at some BPA numbers (92)

(92nd in a series of posts on parking)

Parking issues are at our throats again.

Well, at the August 6 or August 20 City Council meeting probably.

Remember that July 2 the Bethlehem Parking Authority presented a draft proposal to build the Polk Street Garage with a private loan (no backing from the City) and seek approval to raise the parking violation schedule (meter rates went up January 1 but not the fine rates).

Remember that the PSG tab is estimated at $16.8m, with a similar figure  hovering right behind it for the Walnut Street Garage.

And BPA plans to return to Council with the final plans August 6 or August 20.

The private loan needs no approval from Council, but Council does have final sway on the parking fines.

Gadfly does not have a good feeling about the BPA and said so at the July 16 City Council meeting.

video min. 37:04

Now Gadfly, you know, is not a numbers man.

He’s a word man.

But you don’t get your Gadfly merit badge without demonstrating a bit of courage.

So the Gadfly is going to dip in to some numbers to see what he can see.

The BPA budget: 2019 BPA Budget FINAL

The 2018 Desman parking study: https://bethpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Bethlehem-Parking-Study-6.15.18-FINAL-REPORT.pdf

And, finally, the “pro forma” BPA presented July 2: BPA Presentation – 7-2-19 – City Council – DRAFT

Would you join me?

Gadfly always urges you to go to primary sources.

What do you see?

It’s that time of year . . .

The Gadfly invites “local color” photos of this sort

. . . when Mother Nature’s l’ill childrun head out on their own

004

 

sit too long in that chair

and you might have some trouble

getting up

 

 

020

 

 

 

peek-a-boo

someone’s feeling

left out

 

 

 

029

 

 

every house

needs a

greeter flower

 

 

 

Can you tell Gadfly’s not getting much work done on this hot day?

On the menu, a Roasted parklet: another space to beautify South Bethlehem

(The latest in a series of posts on the Southside and Neighborhoods)

Those who have hacked into Gadfly’s library account as well as those who read this blog closely know he has been reading Jeff Speck’s Walkable City.

When just having read that “street life” is among the “central qualities” in improving city life, he comes across this project from one of follower Karen Beck Pooley’s classes:

Mary Ellen Alu, “Parklet Pops Up on South Side Bethlehem.” Lehigh News, July 17, 2019.

There’s a colorful interlude for passersby on Fourth Street in Bethlehem—a pop-up Parklet outside Roasted restaurant built by Lehigh’s Engineers Without Borders outreach committee and Professor of Practice Karen Beck Pooley’s Lehigh Valley Parklets team.

The colorful parklet, a sidewalk extension that fits within two city parking spaces and strives to improve pedestrian and customer experiences, will be in place until Oct. 31.

“Our hope is that more people will come out to the South Side, especially Lehigh students, and integrate more with the community,” said Annaliese Cunniffe ’19, who chaired the outreach committee. “And to beautify the South Side too.”

The Parklet outside Roasted, which cost about $1,000 to construct, is 34 feet long and 7 feet deep and filled with color—red, yellow and orange. A bench stretches across the back wall, allowing for different configurations of tables. The gray flooring is made of pallets, and a mural was added to the back wall.

The students, who received trained in woodworking to complete the project, built the Parklet inside Building C at the Mountaintop campus, then transported it in sections to Fourth Street. The students consulted with Roasted owner Derek Wallen on design.

“It’s great from our perspective because we got to do a hands-on project,” said Cunniffe. “From the community’s perspective, it brings in another space to beautify South Bethlehem, offers people another place to visit and provides more space for Roasted.”

Lehigh students have designed, constructed and tested other Parklets throughout Bethlehem.

Karen is the Professor of Pop-Up at Lehigh University.

City Councilman Shawn Martell resigns, perhaps opening the way for early start by Grace Crampsie Smith

(The latest in a series of posts on City government)

Sara Satullo, “With resignation of councilman, there’s now a vacancy on Bethlehem City Council.” lehighvalleylive.com, July 18, 2019.

Bethlehem City Councilman Shawn Martell is resigning from his seat in mid-August because he is moving to Washington, D.C., for a new job.

A lifelong Bethlehem resident, Martell is moving to the nation’s capital to join his fiancé and work with the public education team at the United States Botanic Garden. The teacher said it is a difficult choice.

“Bethlehem has been my lifelong home and given me so much over the years,” Martell said in a press release.”… Rest assured that I will also continue to advocate for smart, sustainable and progressive community and economic development.”

Martell said he is most proud of council’s collaborative effort to protect and invest in Bethlehem’s neighborhoods, promote economic stability, prioritize fiscal sustainability and increase government accountability and transparency.

While Martell opted to not seek re-election this year, his Aug. 19 resignation will leave a short-term vacancy on council until newly-elected members are sworn-in in January. Council is mandated to appoint someone to fill the seat within 30 days of Martell’s resignation.

Council will discuss the vacancy at its next meeting Aug. 6 under new business, said Adam Waldron, council president.

Waldron thinks that council should appoint Democrat Grace Crampsie-Smith, who is running unopposed in the November general election, to fill the remaining two year’s of former Councilman Eric Evan’s seat.

Important alert: New Bethlehem Service Center for non-emergency communications

For emergencies in Bethlehem, still call 911 (no change).

To communicate non-emergencies in Bethlehem:
By phone: 610-865-7000|
By email: bethlehemservicecenter@Bethlehem-pa.gov
By app: Bethlehem City Service Center on the App Store or Google Play
By website: http://bethlehem-pa.gov/

001

Sara Satullo, “Want to report that giant pothole that nearly ate your car? Bethlehem now has an app for that.” lehighvalleylive.com, July 18, 2019.

Ashley Stalnecker, “There’s an app for that: Bethlehem launches Service Center.” Morning Call, July 18, 2019.

With the consolidation of Bethlehem and Northampton County’s 911 services last month, officials on Thursday announced the formal opening of the Bethlehem Service Center and its accompanying app.

For emergencies, residents still will call 911 to notify the Northampton County 911 Center. For non-emergencies, residents will contact the city’s service center. To submit a concern they have options: Call or email, use the center’s website or use its new, free Bethlehem Service Center app.

Available on both Android and Apple smartphones and other devices, the app allows users to pick from five types of complaints, covering buildings, safety, nuisance, road and utility issues. Users can also attach media such as photos or sound to help document the issue.

Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez said the app was developed so the city could be more accountable, informative and transparent to its citizens.

Bethlehem City councilman William Reynolds said the app will narrow the gap between Bethlehem’s citizens and City Hall. “This is really a step forward, I think, as far as expanding the ways in which people are able to contact City Hall,” he said.

All complaints received by the service center will be sent to an applicable city bureau. The app will notify three to five people best suited to deal with the problem based on its classification. Robert Novatnack, the city’s emergency management coordinator, who is responsible for managing the center, will also be notified.

Mayor Robert Donchez announces the Bethlehem Service Center:

Remarks by Councilman J. William Reynolds:

Further remarks by the Mayor, and the Mayor and Business Manager Eric Evans answer questions. Evans describes the communication process in detail:


Huzza for the City

and

Gadfly hopes you have few emergencies and non-emergencies!

The City needs to improve recycling effort in food-service area

(The latest in a series of posts relating to the environment, Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan, and Bethlehem’s Environmental Advisory Council)

Peter Crownfield is officially retired but spends most of his time working with students in his role as internship coordinator for the Alliance for Sustainable Communities–Lehigh Valley.

Gadfly:

As Dana points out, quite a few local businesses are taking steps to be more sustainable, and it is definitely worth letting them know you appreciate it. In the case of serveware & packaging, it does increase their costs somewhat. When government does not act, less-responsible businesses may get a competitive edge.

“Biodegradable” take-away containers, utensils, plates, & cups are far better than the styrene and polypropylene they replace, largely because they reduce the horrible environmental health hazards associated with their manufacture. However, since local cities do not provide a way for the [items] to actually be composted, most of them wind up in the landfill anyway—and under those conditions, they can take hundreds of years to break down. The city should provide composting for food waste and compostable food-service products.

While we’re on this subject, it’s worth pointing out that the city still does not provide on-street recycling in the downtown areas and does not even require all food-service establishments to provide effective recycling in ways that encourage their customers to recycle.

Peter

Numbers can lie, and the Mayor can speak

(Latest post on such topics as Neighborhoods, Southside,
1st Terrace, Affordable Housing)

Gadfly:

If “data-driven” means making decisions based on fact rather than assumptions or favoritism, I’m all for it. But I think we all know that statistics data can be shaped to prove almost anything, so that approach can be dangerous as well.

The ABCs should not be mere puppets, but for the Mayor to be silent on important issues is also inappropriate. He is, after all, an elected representative of the people, and silence communicates agreement. (Too often, he has used his platform to speak out in favor of developers, even when proposed development clearly violated the city’s own ordinances.)

Peter Crownfield

Two Councilpersons respond to the Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development

(Latest post on such topics as Neighborhoods, Southside,
1st Terrace, Affordable Housing)

Contact for the Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development is Seth Moglen: moglen@lehigh.edu. This group is open to all, not just 1st Terrace area residents. The more membership, the greater the power. And the issue here is not limited to one neighborhood.

So Gadfly has covered in detail the forceful first appearance of what he thinks we can now call the “Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development” at City Council Tuesday night. A group that he feels can accomplish much good.

But there were two meaningful responses by Council members that we should note as well.

First, Councilwoman Van Wirt.

In reference to the 1st Terrace issues that the residents spoke about, PVW wants data and seemed to get into a slight bit of tangle with the City rep over getting it. Nothing serious. But I don’t think the rep got the importance of what PVW was asking.

PVW has described herself as data-driven. She’s a doctor. A “fixin’ doctor,” a term Gadfly’s kids used to differentiate their father’s degree.

Data-driven — Gadfly likes that.

PVW wanted “firm data,”  a “firm study” to show “actual need” for housing around Lehigh. She wanted “something to refer to.”

(Ha! Gadfly would “fix” that ending preposition to “something to which she could refer.” See, kids, your dad is a “fixin’ doctor” too!)

Gadfly likes that. Glad we have a person like that on Council.

Second, Councilman Reynolds.

JWR thanked the Mayor for weighing in strongly on the 1st Terrace proposal, but his more general point was the power that Mayor has in such situations, implying, Gadfly thinks (he almost literally talked directly to the Mayor at one point), that the Mayor/Administration should wield that power more often.

“One of the lessons going forward here is the power the Administration has to weigh in on these projects publicly and privately. . . . when Administrations take positions on any of these things, it is extraordinarily rare for these Authorities, these Commissions, these Boards to necessarily say no, no, no, we disagree with what the professionals say, we disagree with what the full-time people say, we disagree with what the elected officials say about this. . . . and I want to say thank you to the Mayor for weighing in on this, but at the same time it’s also a model. We can pass all the ordinances we want. But the strongest thing that we have is that we have an Administration that will stand up and say we like this project, we understand some people disagree, we understand some people don’t like elements of it. . . . I just think that going forward . . . as we talk about other development projects throughout the City, all of our voices are important, but the most important one is siting there [the Mayor], and I have confidence, I have faith, and I just want to say thank you.

Gadfly thanked the Mayor too. He didn’t trust the Zoning Commission to have any more “No” than the Planning Commission in this 1st Terrace proposal that seemed so obviously wrong. Gadfly liked that the Mayor saw it his way.

But how would he feel in the opposite case.

Which, Gadfly feels, has happened in the not-so-distant past.

JWR seems to literally argue for a strong Mayor (Administration). But does that tilt the ABCs toward puppet rather than independent status?

Gadfly needs to chew on this some more. You are welcome to help.

Voluntary action by business owners is an excellent step

(The latest in a series of posts relating to the environment, Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan, and Bethlehem’s Environmental Advisory Council)

Gadfly,

Many local businesses are already taking steps by using bio-degradable take-away containers and brown paper bags, which can be recycled with flat board (non-corrugated cardboard that tears brown and grey). Voluntary action by business owners is an excellent step, and CM Reynolds is spot on about going different routes to circumvent the state legislation.

I always thank a business for taking these steps so that they know that I appreciate their efforts and its impact on the environment.

Dana

The ban (single-use plastic bags) is banned (temporarily, we hope)

(The latest in a series of posts relating to the environment, Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan, and Bethlehem’s Environmental Advisory Council)

Gadfly followers know that he loves the work of our Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), but their work on a proposed ban of single-use plastic bags has taken a bit of a hit.

Gov. Wolf Signs Provision In Budget Barring Banning Or Taxing Plastic Bags

Gov. Tom Wolf has signed legislation barring Pennsylvania’s municipalities from taxing or banning the sale or distribution of plastic bags and other containers, wrappings, and bags.

A three-paragraph provision prohibits municipal bans or taxes on plastic bags or packaging for one year while legislative agencies study the economic and environmental impact.

Senate Republican Leader Jake Corman of Centre County says he wanted the provision because his district includes a plastics manufacturer and a township considering a fee on plastic bags.

Wolf in 2017 vetoed legislation preventing counties and municipalities from taxing or banning plastic bags.

Prime EAC mover of the ban Beth Behrend announced the bad news at City Council Tuesday night and recommended how the City should react. Both the Mayor and Councilman Reynolds — prime mover of the in-process City Climate Action Plan — also suggested courses of action.

Behrend explained that because of the legislative timing, the Governor had no other choice but to sign the budget, but that this 11th hour addition to the budget is being challenged. Behrend recommended that the City continue to move forward toward adopting the ban as going into effect July 1, 2020, when this legislative prohibition  would cease (or earlier if it is successfully challenged).

In his prepared statement, the Mayor said, “I support the State’s plan to study the issue” and, in the opinion of the City Solicitor, “At this time an ordinance is not possible,” but that the City should state its position and go on record, and therefore he supports a City Council resolution “in the spirit of the EAC recommendations.”

Councilman Reynolds, ever optimistic and ever resourceful, pushed the Mayor beyond the resolution idea, urging the Administration to look at “other strategies,” for instance, working with the business and school communities — “there’s a different strategy and a different manner that should seriously be looked at.”

Good for CM Reynolds! If it’s a good idea, let’s move ahead. And not wait for the sometimes slow-motion of the legislative process.

It’s Thursday, July 18, do you know where your local Climate Action Plan is?

More night sweats

(Latest posts on such topics as Neighborhoods, Southside, Affordable Housing)

Gadflies usually sleep soundly.

But after reviewing the BPA Polk Street Garage proforma, this Gadfly had a night-sweat dream about parking issues.

And now, last night, after hearing the sad stories from the “Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development,” Gadfly had another perspiry dream.

Stephen Antalics appeared in a long old-fashioned nightshirt (with a Slovenian breast patch), looking like the Alistair Sim Scrooge from the classic Christmas Carol movie.

Stephen hoarsely whispered that Gadfly should rush to the Rotunda to witness City Council fighting to the death like mongoose and snakes over revising the friendly developer/landlord definition of “family” in the Zoning Code:

1302.43 Family. One or more individuals who are “related” to each other by blood, marriage or adoption (including persons receiving formal foster care) or up to 5 unrelated individuals who maintain a common household with common cooking facilities and certain rooms in common, and who live within one dwelling unit.

The epic battle that would determine the final fate of the Southside had finally been joined.

The Southside future was on the line.

Two thoughts regarding the issue raised by the Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development

(Latest post on such topics as Neighborhoods, Southside,
1st Terrace, Affordable Housing)

Peter Crownfield is officially retired but spends most of his time working with students in his role as internship coordinator for the Alliance for Sustainable Communities–Lehigh Valley.

Great to have this group [Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development] speaking out!

One thing about off-campus student housing is that it tends to promote gentrification—despite its generally poor quality and high rents. This is exacerbated by new high-end rentals (such as the new SouthSide Commons) which also drive rents in the community.

One more factor: overpriced dormitory housing, which makes the off-campus housing more attractive. Colleges & universities could easily price their on-campus housing at a price that would pull many students back on campus.

Peter

Contact for the Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development is Seth Moglen: moglen@lehigh.edu. This group is open to all, not just 1st Terrace area residents. The more membership, the greater the power. And the issue here is not limited to one neighborhood.

Bethlehem Moment: A trip to South Bethlehem, 1906

(Latest in a series of posts on Bethlehem Moments)

Bethlehem Moment 11
City Council
July 16, 2019

John Smith, 833 Carlton Ave

Read by Kate McVey, 1221 Lorain Ave.

Video of July 16 City Council meeting, start at min. 33:50.

Bethlehem Moment: Saturday, May 19, 1906

A trip through South Bethlehem’s foreign district last night was a revelation. More than three hours were spent in the residential district of 5000 or more of South Bethlehem’s foreign population. Every type of foreigner — men, women, and children — were observed. Their modes of living were noticed and their methods of recreation after a hard day’s work were specially observed. With the illumination of only the house coal oil lamp the trip grew in interest step by step.

The men were sitting in parties beside beer kegs. Although it was now 9 o’clock many of the women were still doing housework. Some were ironing, other were washing clothes, while others were baking or sewing.  The children were allowed to roam about the yard and entertain themselves as best they could.

An evening party here in a room no more than 6×10 feet, in the midst of all its furnishings including bed, tables, chairs, etc., dancing was indulged in by at least four couples. The music was furnished by members of the party alternatively playing the mouth organ. The making of a “strudl,” a favorite dish, was keenly watched. The housewife makes what appears to be a dough. She then spreads a cloth over a 3×4 table, on which she places the dough and rolls it to the thinness of a drumhead the full length and width of the table. The dough prepared and rolled, she proceeds to place in the dough various kinds of vegetables and rolls, dough and vegetables into the shape of a sausage. This is placed in an oven, baked and served.

It’s beer from morning to night and sometimes from night to morning.  While there are many who have their liquor at their homes, there are still many more who patronize the various saloons. The proprietor of one saloon said he had as high as 700 come into his place in one night, and he only keeps open until 10:30 o’clock.

What appeared singular was the fact that quiet reigned. There was no fuss, not even loud talking notwithstanding that at least a dozen or more nationalities elbowed past one another.

Another fact noticeable last night was the positive evidence that the low or objectionable class of foreigners, the class the public at large hears much about, is not in South Bethlehem to an alarming degree. There seems to be more of the better class that keep to themselves and hustle after the dollar day in and day out.
—————-

Edited from an article in the Bethlehem Globe-Times.

 

Meet the “Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development”

(Latest posts on such topics as Neighborhoods, Southside,
1st Terrace, Affordable Housing)

In a model display of public participation and activism, a group of residents associated with the 1st Terrace situation that Gadfly reported on earlier attended City Council last night, announcing the formation of  “Bethlehem Residents for Responsible Development,” describing the deteriorating situation in their neighborhood from the increasing pressure of student housing and firmly pushing the Mayor and City Council to take action NOW before it is too late.

You can find audio of the full individual statements from these residents at the bottom of this post, but here just below Gadfly has arranged clips in the form of an interview to capture the powerfully cumulative effect of their presentations.

Describe your neighborhood. (Moglen)

Why are you living there? (Mendez)

What is your purpose in coming here to this meeting? (Moglen)

Isn’t off-campus housing for students needed because of Lehigh’s expansion? (Handler)

What’s it like to live next to students? (Handler)

Are you opposed to neighborhood students and development? (Handler)

Give us some historical perspective. (Evans)

What’s the developer like? (Stark)

What’s your experience with the developer? (Long)

How urgent is the problem and how committed are you to pushing for a solution? (Saunders)

What is it that you want? (Moglen)

Don’t miss the full presentations:

Anne Evans

Kristin Handler

Chris Long

Mrs. Mendez

Seth Moglen

Murdock Saunders

Gretchen Stark

Sands pushes for a casino in New York City (10)

(10th in a series of posts on Wind Creek Bethlehem)

John Marquette is a retired librarian/archivist, author, historian, and a resident of Bethlehem. His current project is focused on the restoration of the interior of the Archibald Johnston Mansion in Housenick Park. 

Gadfly:

Did you see this morning’s paper? When Paterson is successful (not if!), this will be the end of the fifty buses a day to our casino, and a huge drop in revenue.

David Klepper, “Sands brings big hitter to lobby for NYC casino.”

Former New York Gov. David Paterson is joining Las Vegas Sands Corp. to lead the casino and resort developer’s push for a casino in New York City. Voters have already authorized up to three casinos for the nation’s largest city, but state law says they can’t be approved until 2023 at the earliest. Paterson, who is joining Sands as a senior vice president, said there’s no reason to wait, and that lawmakers should lift the moratorium next year. Sands just recently sold its Bethlehem casino. “Is it going to happen in 2023 or 2020? Why not start three years earlier?” he said. “This is really a tremendous opportunity to create jobs in New York.”

What plans does Wind Creek/Poarch Band have in place to really revitalize the Steel property before we lose the NY gamers to a brand name they know and love?

If we didn’t like the amount from the sale of the Sands to Wind Creek, we are not going to be happy with having to depend on visitors from the Lehigh Valley and west Jersey.

John

The mural’d Southside

(The latest in a series of posts on the Southside and Neighborhoods)

Gadfly has rolling in his head some adjectives Kim Carrell-Smith has used recently in these pages about the “feel” of the Southside, the “feel” that we have and the “feel” that we want: cool, eccentric, quirky.

Gadfly loves the “feel” of the murals.

How ’bout the recent one on the Cafe the Lodge?

mural cafe

O, my, just gorgeous, right?

Well, the 3rd item at the Historical Conservation Commission meeting last night was approval for murals from Missy Hartney of the Southside Arts District for murals at three locations: Molly’s, Lehigh Pizza, and Bonn Place Brewing.

Take a look!

mural 1

mural 2

mural 3

mural 4

mural 5

mural 6
will hang vertically

Great idea!

Night sweats (92)

(92nd in a series of posts on parking)

Last night, on the eve of another City Council meeting — the last meeting having hosted the Parking Authority’s draft report on moving ahead with the $16.8m Polk Street Garage — Gadfly had a dream.

City Council took back its power to fix parking meter rates.*

Smoke was seen emanating from the portals of the BPA bunker at Main and North Sts., and card tables ringed the perimeter as officials sold raffle tickets to raise money for their next garage projects.

—–

* Responsibility for meter rates and fines originally rested with City Council. City Council delegated the power over rates to the BPA in the late 1980s for an altruistic reason at the urging of a Councilman who, ironically, actually was opposed to BPA expansion plans: see Gadfly posts #75 and #76.

 

A tip o’ the hat to the Historic Conservation Commission

(The latest in a series of posts on City government)

All this Gadfly talk about moving City meetings around time-wise so that they can be more accessible to the public.

All this Gadfly talk about making sure that when City committee members come up for reappointment that Council have evidence of performance before reaffirming.

All this talk — Gadfly — a sensitive man (he says insensitively) — feels he may be creating the impression that in general the City ABCs (Authorities, Boards, Commissions) are not to be trusted.

Not so, not so.

Surely Gadfly followers feel his love for the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), for instance.

And, after last night’s meeting, Gadfly must give a belated, well-deserved tip o’ the hat to the Historic Conservation Commission.

There were three items on last night’s agenda.  One item dealt with a seeming small detail of an awning, a second with major reconstruction that, in fact, was an amalgam of small details. We’ll deal with the third in another post.

If it weren’t for the third item, Gadfly would have skipped the meeting after looking at the agenda for the outdoor joy of an exquisite summer evening.

(As it was, the Gadfly indulged in that natural beauty anyway by slowly walking the mile back and forth to Town Hall — remember him just saying that he was going to put more walking in his life?)

The amount of care, knowledge, experience, and concern exhibited over the smallest details by the HCC was just truly remarkable.

Nothing dramatic, nothing spectacular — just scrupulous, patient attention.

Gadfly has witnessed this before. This was not a one-time thing.

A great example of your non-tax dollars at work.

Chair: Phil Roeder. Members: Seth Cornish, Craig Evans, Roger Hudak, Gary Lader, Jeff Long, Tony Silvoy, Beth Starbuck. (I hope that’s right.)

Portrait of Bethlehem-born poet H. D. commissioned, fund-raising campaign steps up (20)

(20th in a series of posts on H.D.)

Finding H.D.:
A Community Exploration of the Life and Work of Hilda Doolittle

Bethlehem-born writer Hilda Doolittle — H. D. —  (1886-1961) is
the “Lehigh Valley’s most important literary figure.”

—–

Kate Racculia
Bethlehem Area Public Library, Development & Marketing Specialist
kracculia@bapl.org     610.867.3761 x 259

Bethlehem Area Public Library Commissions

Portrait of H.D. from Local Artist

(Bethlehem, PA) — The Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) is thrilled to announce it has awarded its portrait commission of local literary great H.D. to Angela Fraleigh, painter, professor, and chair of the Moravian College art department.

The completed museum-quality portrait will hang permanently in the Main Library at West Church Street, commemorating H.D. as a citizen of Bethlehem who made a tremendous contribution to literature and the world–and who, as a child, lived on land where the library now stands.

Bethlehem native Hilda Doolittle (1886-1961), known as H.D., drew on the experiences of her hometown throughout her long writing life. H.D.’s innovative and experimental poetry and prose established her as a leading Modernist in the early twentieth century, and she is widely recognized today as a queer, feminist visionary. She remains the most influential literary figure born in the Lehigh Valley.

Angela Fraleigh received her BFA in painting from Boston University and her MFA in painting from the Yale University School of Art, and was a Core Artist in Residence in Houston, Texas. She has mounted solo exhibitions at the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, New York; Inman Gallery in Houston, Texas; and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her work “weaves together realism and abstraction in lush and complex works…that reimagine women’s roles in art history, literature, and contemporary media.”

Angela Fraleigh graduated with an MFA from Yale University and a BFA from Boston University.  She has exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, MO and has been the recipient of several awards and residencies including the Yale University Alice Kimball English grant, The Sharpe Walentas Program Brooklyn, NY and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, NE. Fraleigh most recently created a site-specific body of paintings for a solo exhibition at the Vanderbilt Mansion Museum in Hyde Park, NY, the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, NY and the Edward Hopper House Museum in Nyack, NY. Fraleigh looks forward to upcoming solo exhibitions at the Delaware Art Museum in 2019 and the Reading Public Museum in 2020. Her work “weaves together realism and abstraction in lush and complex works…that reimagine women’s roles in art history, literature, and contemporary media.”

“Not only is H.D.’s poetry evocative and mesmerizing,” says Fraleigh, “but her work aligns with my own interests, as she helps reconstruct a mythic past for women. It’s an honor to receive this commission.”

The portrait is commissioned in conjunction with Finding H.D., a 12-month long public exploration of the life and work of the poet, culminating in the premiere of a new play by Mock Turtle Marionette Theater in October of 2019 at Touchstone Theatre’s Festival Unbound. Finding H.D. is a partnership between the Lehigh University English Department, Mock Turtle Marionette Theater, the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, and BAPL. BAPL announced an open call for portrait submissions in the spring, and the commission was awarded by a committee of Finding H.D. stakeholders, artists, and community members.

“The idea for a portrait of H.D. came from renowned portrait artist Ben Fortunado Marcune, who approached us with a proposal in 2017,” says BAPL Executive Director Josh Berk. “Unfortunately, Ben passed away before work could begin on the painting. We were so saddened by this loss, but decided to move ahead with the portrait of Bethlehem’s greatest literary figure. We worked with our friends at Lehigh University as well as ArtsQuest, the City of Bethlehem, and the local arts community to conduct a search for a portrait artist. We were so impressed with all the submissions and so happy that Angela Fraleigh was chosen. It is going to be a beautiful work of art and a wonderful way to honor H.D.!”

The portrait is expected to be unveiled before the end of the year. To learn more about the library’s fundraising campaign for the portrait, please visit bapl.org/hd.

About the Bethlehem Area Public Library

On December 1, 1900 nine prominent women from Bethlehem’s north, south and west sides met to “consider the need of a Public Library in the Bethlehems and to devise methods by which it might be established.” On February 1, 1901 the doors to the free reading room and library officially opened to the public, and the Bethlehem Area Public Library has faithfully served the community since. Committed to the public good, the Library educates, informs, and inspires by providing community, engagement, and free and open access to materials and information. bapl.org

Finding H.D.:
A Community Exploration of the Life and Work of Hilda Doolittle

Large Bethlehem Manor addition approved by Planning Commission

(The latest in a series of posts on Neighborhoods)

Sara K. Satullo, “West Bethlehem nursing home clears first hurdle to expansion.” lehighvalleylive.com., July 12.

Last week Gadfly called attention to this proposed huge addition to Bethlehem Manor at the old Rosemont School. He remembered the neighborhood uproar 3-4 years ago on the original proposal and expected the same now — no, he expected more uproar.

August 12, 2015:

But, surprisingly, there was no uproar, and an increase of 70% in the number of beds was approved by the Planning Commission. The proposal still must go to the Zoning Board and then back to Planning.

Two residents – including the neighborhood association president – spoke favorably, one neighbor, the only property adjoining the Manor, had concerns.

In these two audio clips, the attorney for Bethlehem Manor introduces their project, indicating the catalyst for the 54-bed, 3-story addition to the facility is the desire for residents to have single rooms. All of the spaces in the existing facility are multiple occupancy. He reviewed traffic and parking and indicated the addition should cause no additional concern. The variance needed is for the number of additional beds.

The President of the Rosemont neighbors group said they had “grave concerns” at the time of the original project, but he now had good things to say about relationship with the Manor management. He mentioned concerns about parking, storm water, and that it remain a personal care business. There are, he said, no red flags at the moment as long as things remain “status quo.” Another neighbor reiterated the “good mesh” between the Manor and the neighbors and related only concern about the back-up alarm nuisance with the fire trucks and ambulances, alarms that can not be disabled (but the nuisance will surely increase with the additional beds).

The adjoining neighbor had three concerns: a 6ft. privacy fence that was never constructed, deliveries on the north side that were not to be allowed, and storm water.

The PC will forward this neighbor’s concerns to the Zoning Board, but discussion about them brought controversial developer Abe Atiyeh to the microphone. Gadfly had read about Atiyeh in regard to several other disputed projects but had never seen him in action. Perhaps the same with you. So Gadfly includes this video in which you will see Atiyeh make the case for not providing the privacy fence that he was supposed to.

He makes an interesting case.

Again, Gadfly, must express surprise that such a large increase in this residential area is going down so far so smoothly.

He will post an alert when the case comes before Zoning (August 14?), just in cause there is still ignorance of the project or lurking discontent over it.

Update on the meeting time conundrum

(The latest in a series of posts on City government)

Executive Director Tony Hanna reports that the Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority will change its meeting time from 3PM to 5PM for 2020.

Good work!

Gadfly has been slow to see another benefit of the Mayor suggesting — along with later start-times — live-streaming and archiving such meetings (while there has been some hesitation about changing meetings times, the committee meetings Gadfly attended registered no problems with this).

Gadfly has strongly urged scrutiny of performance when committee members are up for reappointment. The video records can be used as evidence of performance. Council members can now access concrete documentation of performance.

Good work!

 

 

Clarification on Tony’s “Robbed” poem!

Ed,
Thanks for posting my poem about our home being robbed.  I suppose I should have put a date on the poem to make sure people didn’t think the robbery occurred recently. It happened several years ago, but I was inspired to share it with you, and your readers, because of your poem about your house – “My House Is Too Heavy.” I am getting notes of sympathy and concern from friends and colleagues who read “The Gadfly,” and I feel as if I have misled them. Pat and I really appreciate their concern, but the incident is now just a distant memory. We continue to enjoy our beautiful old home, “too heavy” like the Gallagher home, but complete with a new alarm system, and lots of new exterior security lighting. We have to protect all of those books!
Tony

“Our house, now silent, embarrassed, a piece of plywood, like a bandage, / Covering its wound.”

The Gadfly invites your creative work in whatever medium

Tony Hanna is the Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Bethlehem. Before assuming that role in 2010, he was the Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Bethlehem, a position he held for 11 years. Prior to that he was the Executive Director of Historic Bethlehem Partnership for 4 years, from 1995 to 1999. More importantly, almost 50 years ago as a young Engineering student at Lehigh University, he was fortunate enough to take two non-engineering elective courses in American Literature. His professor, a young member of the English Department, Ed Gallagher.

Robbed

Robbed, we are now statistics, a police report number, lucky

No one was hurt. We are told they’re only things, some money, not much

We don’t keep cash in the house, except for my Etruscan money pot. Filled

Bloated, actually, ready to be emptied for our upcoming vacation, smashed

Like our vacation plans. The quarters, dimes, and nickels used to buy drugs

Or maybe food or clothing, I would feel better, but I won’t count on it. Drugs.

Our jewelry, each piece with a story, each a piece of our lives, a connection to

A friend, a family member, an event, a trip, a memory, our memories, stolen

And our house, violated, the front door, that said welcome, be our guest

Smashed, penetrated, like rapists they entered and crawled through the hole

And stole pieces of our souls, pieces of our memories, and

Our innocence, our feeling that this can’t happen to us. But it does and

It hurts and it stings and Pat, sitting silently, trying to remember what we’re

Missing, and when she does, she cries and she says, “I can’t live here anymore.”

They have taken more than things, they have taken our home, the only home

We’ve ever owned. Year after year, no problems, no regrets, no incidents

Sure, there was the time that I didn’t lock my car door and my briefcase was

Stolen. Kids, the police said, and the briefcase was recovered in a field. Kids,

Looking for a wallet, some money, not interested in boring files or magazines

About planning or development in Philadelphia or New York. This kind of thing

Only happens there, right? Philadelphia or New York? Not in West Allentown.

Maybe downtown, but not here. Why here, why us, why our house?

Our house, now silent, embarrassed, a piece of plywood, like a bandage,

Covering its wound. No answers, no suspects, just memories and the loss

The loss of faith, of innocence, of our home.

Tony