BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Bethlehem Township commissioners voted unanimously Monday to take on $2.49 million in debt to address area flooding issues.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, or PENNVEST, would front the funds required to handle the projects, which are part of the township Municipal Authority's Phase 1 Pollutant Reduction Plan.
- Township commissioners voted unanimously for the government to take on $2.49 million debt to address flooding
- The funds would help kick off Phase 1 improvements as deemed necessary by the municipal authority
- Another Wawa could be in the works, as commissioners took a look at a proposed sketch plan for an Easton Avenue location
This spring, Phase 1 improvements are planned for areas of Walnut Street, Easton Avenue and Santee Road and the township looks to include detention basin retrofits in places such as Washington Street, Long Court and Vintage Drive.
"The proposed projects will include over-excavating and placing of amended soils, removal of existing low flow channels, resetting/installation of outlet protection, modification of existing outlet structures, and final stabilization," the meeting agenda stated regarding the dry detention basins.
Township bond counsel Kevin Reid of KingSpry — a Bethlehem-based legal group — clarified before the vote what the commissioners' decision would lead to if approved.
The township’s role in this transaction is as guarantor, as a backstop to the revenues from the stormwater system. It’s the [municipal] authority’s debt, but you’re a guarantor to the debt.Kevin Reid, township bond counsel
“The township’s role in this transaction is as guarantor, as a backstop to the revenues from the stormwater system,” Reid said. “It’s the [municipal] authority’s debt, but you’re a guarantor to the debt.”
He said he now will relay the required documents to Township Manager Doug Bruce, and those would be filed with the state Department of Community and Economic Development “because all municipalities have to file for issuance of debt,” Reid said.
When Easton Avenue and Santee Road flood, it results in 99 inaccessible properties, five impassable roads and 20,000 average daily trips prevented, according to the township’s Infrastructure Priorities Assessment.
“Several areas of Bethlehem Township flood frequently and pose threats to safety and property,” the document states. “The capital improvement plan identifies solutions to mitigate flooding and lessen the impacts associated with it.”
A proposed Wawa, apartments
The board also took a look at a sketch plan for a potential Wawa and apartment building at 4457 Easton Ave., near Farmersville Road.
According to project plans, the Wawa would call for 13,000 square feet of building improvements, 16 gas pumps and 62 parking spaces.
The back of the 5.1-acre space would house a four-story garden-style apartment building with 60 units, 21,000 square feet of building footprint and 102 parking spaces.
The total project would take up more than 93,000 square feet.
Although the developer is eyeing four stories for the building, the Medium High Residential District zoning allows for only a three-story maximum height for garden apartments.
If the four stories isn't later approved by township zoners, the developing team said plans could be adjusted to call for a three-story building instead.
Lot owner George Paxos owns other nearby businesses, including Blue Grillhouse and Event Center at Blue.
What I’ve alway wanted to do with the property — which is what I’m proposing on the rear piece — is to build very high-end apartments that would complement Blue and the event center.George Paxos, area business owner
“What I’ve always wanted to do with the property — which is what I’m proposing on the rear piece — is to build very high-end apartments that would complement Blue and the event center,” Paxos said.
Two full-access movement driveways are proposed along Farmersville Road, a limited access point along Easton Avenue and some cross-connections to Blue Grillhouse and more.
David Wong, a township resident, said that if the plan was to continue toward development, he wished to see stormwater collection systems, drainage basins, more parking access considering area density, as well as consideration of traffic impacts because Notre Dame High School is just down the road from the proposed property.
Addressing conflicts of interest
Later in the meeting, the commissioners unanimously voted to authorize the township manager to advertise an ordinance “requiring the mandatory recusal of public officials in matters that they hold a financial interest.”
“The Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners recognizes that nothing is more important to the public trust than having public servants disclose every material conflict and withdraw from participation even when they feel they can act impartially,” the ordinance states.
