BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Township commissioners voted Monday to rezone 43 acres at Northampton Community College to allow expansion for more educational facilities.
Commissioners approved rezoning a tract alongside Green Pond Road that also contains NCC's East 40 gardens and support buildings.
The measure passed 5-0, following previous recommendations for approval by both the township planning commission and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
Township Community Development Director Samantha Smith said it essentially will let NCC continue its current program, while providing a designation to let it broaden it.
"These institutional overlays were made for educational uses, so it allows for dorms, classroom buildings, the sort of things that you wouldn’t typically see in a rural area."Township Community Development Director Samantha Smith
“Rural/residential [designation] is still permissible, and they still apply," Smith said. "The institutional overlay gives more uses, more flexibility.
"These institutional overlays were made for educational uses, so it allows for dorms, classroom buildings, the sort of things that you wouldn’t typically see in a rural area."
Commissioner John K. Gallagher said any structures on the property still would need proper permits; the new designation simply lets those structures exist on the grounds with approval.
The East 40, launched by NCC students, faculty and staff in September 2010, houses community gardens, walking paths and trails, and pollinator and art sites.
'Existing educational uses'
Attorney John P. McShea of Eastburn and Gray PC, on behalf of NCC said there are “certain existing structures and uses which are agricultural in nature, but are used in connection with the college for educational purposes.”
NCC was subject to violations in January 2024, as those educational entities on the property were not permitted.
Representatives from the college worked with township zoning and planning to pursue the institutional overlay district “to be consistent with the zoning of the school," McShea said.
"Which would allow for those existing educational uses to be permitted by accessory use,” he said.
“Specifically, there's certainly about three, three and a half acres of that property that is currently farmed. There's a community garden that's existed on that property for several years.
"There's some small sheds which store agricultural tools which are used by the community garden and the farming [club]. And then there's one pottery or ceramic classroom which is used by students.
“So those structures would be, if this zoning was approved, they would be permitted by accessory use on the property, and we would be permitted that way.”
McShea said there are no current plans for future development of the property, though there may be potential to add a bathroom facility.
'A healthy community place'
Community members, former and current faculty and students from NCC, and others expressed they were pleased with the plan before it even passed.
Chris Foster recognized the land’s storied history with the Lenape people, and commended the commissioners for passing the ordinance.
“Everything that it’s used for, the community garden and the students… Bravo," Foster said. "Thank you all.”
One former student who lives in Florida said she was one of the founding members of one garden club at the school.
“This is an example of what community gardens can be and all the educational things that are run out of that garden," she said. "I just think it’s a big asset for the community.”
“It's just a very beautiful space, and it's really important for our wellbeing."Kate Jackson, Lehigh University Professor of Environmental Health and Policy
Lehigh University Professor of Environmental Health and Policy Kate Jackson said she also saw the benefit of spaces such as East 40, which “provides and promotes health and wellbeing and belong in our community."
“And it's just a very beautiful space, and it's really important for our wellbeing,” Jackson said.
“And second, I bought a house right behind it this year, motivated by being close to this space.
"It's really important for me to become a beautiful space of respite and learning and education for myself, my whole family, and it's just a really valuable asset.”
'Really lucky to have them'
NCC art faculty member Katie Hovencamp said she has heard rave reviews of the East 40 from her students, who sang praises of learning in nature.
“I think this experience is something that we lose a lot in contemporary education, because a lot of the work that we do is really tied into the computer," Hovencamp said.
"So it's a very rare opportunity that students get to work with their hands and have these really valuable experiences."
"East 40 is a beacon, really, among the state and the country."Patricia Sonne
Just prior to the vote that approved the measure, Patricia Sonne took to the podium to express her early affinity for the pending approval.
“I just wanted to say how wonderful this place is," Sonne said. "East 40 is a beacon, really, among the state and the country.
“We are really lucky to have them. And I think expanding it is great, and I know that they will keep it… [and] follow the same philosophy as they grow.
"But it connects people to nature, to each other, to themselves. It's just such a healthy community place.”
