BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The decision between apartments or jobs at 119 Technology Drive will ride on a vote from Bethlehem City Council.
Council’s community development committee on Tuesday heard more from the apartment developer as well as residents.
The site in question is currently zoned for Industrial Redevelopment. But if the council approved a zoning change to Central Business District, the developer plans to build The Emery, a six-story, 240-unit apartment building on the property.
- The developer proposes a six-story 240-unit building, housing over 300 people at 119 Technology Drive
- Residents and the developer shared their thoughts at a committee meeting Tuesday
- Bethlehem City Council will make the final decision regarding the rezoning
Kevin Serfass, vice president of Serfass Development & Acquisitions, on Tuesday provided insight on the proposed property use.
He explained some of the potential benefits of the $62 million investment, as referenced in the included documentation:
- Redeveloping “directly addresses” the housing crisis
- Along with repurposing a lot soon to be vacant, this redevelopment would also remove “extremely hazardous chemicals and gases from nearby residents and businesses”
- About $600,000 in new tax revenue benefiting the city and area school district
- Recreation fees benefitting parks and recreation maintenance totaling $130,000
- More than 300 new residents on the South Side would patronize area businesses
- First-floor gym, community lounge, gaming room and cafe area for residents
- First-floor indoor parking and other amenities, with a community deck directly adjacent
- Agrees with “Smart Growth” goals and the city’s comprehensive plan
- Homage in design paid to the area's industrial history by featuring exposed steel, brick facade and a featured mural
- Space designed specifically for featuring local artists alongside an outdoor “sculpture garden”
- 400 local construction jobs generated during an estimated two-year build period
Developer: Other initiatives
Some of the sustainability initiatives would include electric vehicle charging stations on site, all LED lighting, native plantings, renewable materials, engineered thermal building envelop and a potential carshare program, according to documentation.
Regarding the nearby endangered Lehigh River, “all stormwater from impervious surfaces will be captured, and through engineering will be controlling the rate, quality and volume to meet or exceed DEP standards,” the document stated.
The document also mentioned that the developers would seek a “quiet zone” from Norfolk Southern for that area near the railroad tracks.
The developer said his company would prioritize nearby pedestrian safety, and the company would consult with the city on creating a safer path to the property from the nearby Fahy Bridge.
People are coming in, they just are. We have something great — and it’s time we admit it. And it’s time we do something about it.… I don’t necessarily think jobs are above housing; I think housing is number one.Kevin Serfass, developer
Serfass said the area is seeing “record-low unemployment,” while housing demand goes up as more and more people make their way to the Lehigh Valley.
“People are coming in, they just are,” Serfass said. “We have something great — and it’s time we admit it. And it’s time we do something about it."
“I don’t necessarily think jobs are above housing; I think housing is number one.”
He referenced an Urban Land Institute study, showing that a 10% increase in housing supply can lead to a 1-3% reduction in housing prices.
As a result, Serfass said he would make the costs competitive and affordable as part of the proposed development.
Also, he said he's brainstormed taking some of the industrial equipment that will be left behind, auctioning it off and sending proceeds to the city’s Affordable Housing Fund.
Council member comments
Committee member Kiera Wilhelm commended the developer's work, saying she appreciated his company’s considerations regardless of the result of the rezoning vote.
“It’s clear that you’ve put a lot of work into this,” Wilhelm said. “It’s clear that you value Bethlehem as a place to work with a partner, to have a location to create what you obviously wish to be a vibrant development.”
It does show the desire for the market to build down here, down on the water. And I hope that means that we will continue to have some really, really speedy and directed conversations about how to rezone our riverfront.Paige Van Wirt, committee and council member
Council member Rachel Leon said it's still going to be a tough decision in deciding how she’ll vote, but she appreciated the work by the developers.
“To me, this is what partnership looks like,” Leon said. “This is what the conversation surrounding development should look like: multiple conversations with the developer, the real estate agent, the community and the administration.”
Committee member Paige Van Wirt said the city is in a good spot, considering the possibility of either more residents or more jobs because of the proposal.
“It does show the desire for the market to build down here, down on the water,” Van Wirt said. “And I hope that means that we will continue to have some really, really speedy and directed conversations about how to rezone our riverfront.”
Thoughts from residents
City resident Jo Daniels said her main concerns surrounding the proposal included housing affordability.
“Half of the city employees can’t afford to live in these apartments,” Daniels said. “We have policemen, firemen [and] school teachers that cannot afford to live in these apartments."
“How is that going to benefit the city? And how is it going to benefit the residents and specifically those that are in need of housing?”
Resident Bill Scheirer said a business or industrial use would be more beneficial for the city than a residential use.
“It seems to be conventional wisdom in the planning field that businesses pay more in local taxes than they consume in services, while residents consume more in services than they pay in local taxes,” Scheirer said.
Just listen to our citizens because we know our city, and we know what’s best for our city.Stephen Antalics, city resident
“In other words, residents are a fiscal drain, while businesses generally are a fiscal help."
“Also, having more businesses or industry in the South Side would make the jobs more accessible than if they were in an industrial park with less public transportation.”
Another resident, Stephen Antalics, said the city should invest in the property and offer more affordable options for current and incoming residents.
“Just listen to our citizens because we know our city, and we know what’s best for our city,” Antalics said.
Resident Francine Spevak said the proposal, among other additions to the South Side, has her concerned for her family’s heritage and the city’s historic identity.
“I really think that we need to think long and hard about what we’re doing and what the future of the South Side looks like because it has changed dramatically,” Spevak said.
She also supported prioritizing the proposed site for employing residents instead of the housing development.
“I would prefer that the property be used for jobs rather than housing,” Spevak added. “If we have to go the way of housing, I guess my second option would be condominium owner-occupied housing so we have more buy-in from owners that actually live in the city.”
The next city council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on June 6.
