At least a tree with each new build

548 N. New St., Neighborhoods, Northside, Serious Issues 1 Minute

(11th in a series of posts about 548 N. New St.)

Kate McVey is a concerned citizen, 30-year resident of Bethlehem, professional organizer, dog owner, mother of two children, been around, kosher cook . . . explorer.

ref: Who’s in charge of beauty in Bethlehem?

Gadfly,

As you will notice, there is not a tree or any other living thing in front of the building [548 N. New]. Also if you look at [the developer’s] property on Union (Black Box, 124 W. Union), there is nothing but a weed here and there.

I listened recently to a speaker from PHS (PA Horticulture Society) speak about the importance of trees to a city. I wish I could remember the statistics, but the de-forestation of PA is a real concern. Bethlehem likes to put up signs about being Tree City USA but does nothing, requires nothing of builders, to support the citizens who have trees on their property. There is nothing to encourage a person to plant a tree.

I think this should be mandatory on any new building that there be some sort of greenery and at least a tree with each new build.

Kate

And the Union building is not a “bungalow,” which is defined as “a one-storied house with a low-pitched roof.” Just sayin’.

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Published by The Bethlehem Gadfly

Edward J. Gallagher, Bethlehem immigrant, retired, nearly 50 years as Professor of American Literature at Lehigh University, known as "Dr. G" and "Conan the Grammarian" to students, whose virtual world avatar "EdwardScholarhands" stares at you here, has reinvented himself as the Bethlehem Gadfly.

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3 thoughts on “At least a tree with each new build”

  2. Kate, we need someone to weigh in here who understands the ordinances about where and how trees can be planted near sidewalks, roads and buildings in Bethlehem. As I was told by one local revitalization expert, there are pretty restrictive ordinances when it comes to trees (perhaps because of sidewalk heaving? Sewer lines? Other??). Any readers here who are familiar with these issues, who might help us understand perhaps why it is so difficult to get more trees put in along our streets in Bethlehem?

  3. You are invited to attend the next Bethlehem Environmental Advisory Council’s meeting, which will be held on Thursday, 10/3/19 at 7 p.m. at Illick’s Mill. Dan Shaffer, the city’s new forester is on the agenda. Come out to meet him and ask your questions directly to the source. This will be the first time the EAC members
    will meet him too.

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