— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Land near the Martin Tower site could be developed into a car wash and/or restaurant, according to a petition Bethlehem City Council will review tonight.
Developer Dennis Benner proposes a zoning change to the land at Eighth Avenue and Martin Court to clear the way for commercial use. The plan includes two lots for a total of 4.2 acres.
The tract is near the site of the former Martin Tower, where apartments, retail and offices are planned. Martin Tower was Bethlehem Steel Corp.’s headquarters. It was demolished in 2019.
The Benner petition is listed under on council’s agenda under “communications,” meaning no action is required tonight.
As reported earlier, Council will also review a proposal for higher pay for the mayor and council members.
Council member Kiera Wilhelm proposes raising the mayor’s salary in 2026 to $98,000 from $90,500, and council members pay would go to $10,650 from $7,100.
Both positions have gone without a raise for more than a decade, according to Wilhelm’s memorandum.
The proposed raises are also listed under the communications section of the agenda.
Council will also hold a public hearing on a plan to put up 70 apartments on land on West Garrison Street.
Bethlehem City Council will meet at 7 p.m. in Town Hall, the building on Church Street between City Hall and the Bethlehem Area Public Library. The meeting will also be available on a livestream.
Agendas are subject to change.
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Lehigh Valley News Briefs 