5 Things to Know About Main Street Construction
Why is downtown Bethlehem ripped up at what seems like the worst time of the year for a construction project?
The following questions and answers are from this week's meeting of the Downtown Bethlehem Association:
Q: We were told it would only take one day in front of a specific store at a time and there wouldn’t be construction on Saturdays, but now neither of these things are happening.
A: They need to finish as soon as possible to finish for events and Musikfest, if they change their plan it will just take longer as a phase and extend the entire project.
• There is nothing to show that business are still open, so the DBA will work on coming up with generic signs that can be moved around the streets, depending on where the construction is taking place, to let customers know the stores are still open.
Q: Why now and not during a time that is not the 3 busiest months of the year?
A: There is no “good” time to do this project, Bethlehem has so many events and it will always run into something. They wanted to start this asap so they can finish asap. Also, if we have a phase finished by Musikfest, it is a great opportunity to showcase the project and fundraise for money to complete the project.
Q: Can they work somewhere else during Restaurant Week instead of right in front of the restaurants?
A: They are flexible and will look into working on the other side of the street for this week
Q: Will trees be cut down?
A: Yes, but they will be replaced immediately and they will be full size trees being brought in by crane, ready to be decorated for Christmas.
Q: Can they put planks out leading from the street to the business when the sidewalk is torn up?
A: Yes, they are willing to do that.
Staberdearth
7:44 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
It is very encouraging to see citizen, business, and customer responsive answers to the above construction challenges. There was a time when the city would do whatever it damned well pleased and the hell with everyone who footed their bill through taxes and elected them. Keep the pressure on folks, we fire whole government entities these days for brain dead behavior. As I said, the answers given above to valid concerns are very encouraging. It is amazing what a weak economy and the threat of customer's, business, and voters voting with their feet can do as a prime motivator!
Neville Gardner
8:10 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
In answer to why was this project done in june/july? This is actually the slowest time of the year for thr great majority of business on Main Street - perhaps the exception are the restaurants with ouside dining. As a business and property owner I am happy to see the improvements taking place and I wish there was a way to do it without affecting business- unfortunately that is not possible.
HelenDub
1:49 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
They are cutting down trees? I understand new ones will be brought in by crane, but how big are they? Will they fully shade the street? What is the problem with the trees that are there? A lack of shade will surely cut down on outside dining comfort, never mind walking around. Why do we need to replace the trees? They seem healthy, they shade the downtown area, and we don't look like a Disney attraction. What friend of the mayor needed a job right now? Couldn't we have spent less money by just trimming/caring for the current trees? Does anybody remember that the city is a half a billion dollars in debt?
Daryl Nerl
4:42 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
The trees that are there are one of the reasons why the sidewalks are broken. The roots have lifted them out of place in many spots, making for an uneven and treacherous walk for some pedestrians. And, again, the city has at this time committed no money to this project outside of a $50,000 grant from the state. It's been 40 years since this part of the city has received some attention. This is the main showpiece for tourists and visitors. Some repairs and improvements seem long overdue.