Vision for City's Eastern Gateway Unveiled

“Lighter, quicker, cheaper projects” will “green,” the entrance to Bethlehem’s South Side arts and entertainment, residential and commercial areas, and redevelopment will spotlight the city’s history, culture and community, if the vision of the city and Community Action Development Corp. of Bethlehem materializes.

The eastern gateway is the area that visitors see when leaving Interstate 78 and traveling the Route 412 corridor to Daly Avenue and Fourth Street toward the and . It is the immediate area surrounding Fourth and William streets and includes the Route 412 corridor, , Greenway Park, Fourth Street, Lynn Avenue and surrounding residential and commercial areas.

The final version of a -- a city-sponsored program created to identify opportunities and issues for South Bethlehem -- was viewed last week by Bethlehem Planning Commission members. 

Redevelopment opportunities would focus on a mixed-use district that promotes local values, meets local needs and supports local businesses in the area that is 74 percent Latino, according to Ellen Larmer, director of CADC.

Rather than big box stores, smaller groceries or delicatessens, restaurants with sidewalk dining, small retail shops, and local vendors would be sought to bring pedestrians and families to the area. Office space would reflect an entrepreneurial vision and affordable residences with front porches would enhance the community, according to the study.    

Alternative transportation and an accent on making the area accessible to pedestrians for both work and pleasure is part of the study conclusion, said Larmer.

Quick and cheap “green” projects recommended include planters along Fourth Street between Daly Avenue and William Street, wildflowers plantings on the slope and lot north of Fourth Street between William Street and the bridge; tree plantings or an arboretum for educational use,  benches and directional signage at the SkatePlaza, artwork on vacant facades on William Street and Steel Avenue and a sheltered bus stop at Daly avenue.

Early planning activities indentified include developing a program for sidewalk repair and improvements, completing the extension of the SkatePlaza and Greenway, plantings in public rights-of-way, discussions with PennDOT to implement pedestrian improvements and slow traffic, and identifying funding sources.

The city’s South Side Greenway for pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be extended beyond SkatePlaza and under the Daly Avenue Bridge. It is expected to be completed by next spring, according to Darlene Heller, the city's planning bureau director.

Lynn Avenue improvements would include sidewalks, an access point to the Greenway near the Lynn Avenue Bridge and directional signage to the Greenway and Eastern Gateway from the intersection of Daly and Lynn avenues via Lynn Avenue.

The objective of the is to ensure that redevelopment promotes local values and needs, provide public spaces to complement the SkatePlaza and Greenway, encourage uses that are economically viable and enhance job opportunities. The project study employed focus groups of neighborhoods residents, workshops and market analysis. A team from Project for Public Spaces, a non-profit urban planning organization helped facilitate research and discussions.

The Eastern Gateway Project is part of Southside Vision 2014, a city-sponsored 12-year program to identify issues and opportunities for South Bethlehem.