Bethlehem Planning Commission to Review Updated Land-Use Plan Today; Potential Changes Reflect `Climate Action Plan’

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

The Bethlehem Planning Commission will review proposed updates to the city’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (known by the affable acronym SALDO) at a meeting at 5 p.m. today.

SALDO, no surprise, sets regulations for the subdivision and uses of land. It’s not something many people follow, but it guides how property is developed, making it very important.

The ordinance can be pretty dry, but tonight’s discussion will touch upon items that are part of the city’s “Climate Action Plan.”

I have no idea why this is an “Action Plan” instead of a regular “Plan.” Perhaps those who speak in jargon to obscure the fact that they have little to say prefer “Action Plan.” Here is the memo to the commission about the changes.

I was in City Hall when then-council member J. William Reynolds presented the “Climate Action Plan.” I was there as a reporter, and as a city resident who is concerned about the climate. Reynolds is now mayor.

The “Climate Action Plan” was underwhelming. It is not a plan, it is a wish list.

I do what I can as a resident to have less impact on the environment: recycling, composting, walking instead of driving when possible, and taking public transit. I keep the thermostat low in winter, and rarely use air conditioning in summer.

I’m no green hero, but I try.

It isn’t much, but it does more good than talking about it and making up “Action Plans.”

I’d like to see some meaningful action, but it’s not likely to be found in an “Action Plan.”

Perhaps somebody in the room said, “Hey, let’s call it an `action plan’ because it sounds cool.”

It is also known by the acronym “The CAP.”

See the plan from 2021 right here. It is 279 pages long and ends with a picture of kids planting a sapling.

I didn’t read it all. I skipped to the end. I already had to listen to the presentation. Speaking as an interested resident who actually believes pollution is a bad thing, I don’t think it’s much of a plan.

Anyway, SALDO changes will be discussed by the Bethlehem Planning Commission, along with warehouses and the like, at 5 p.m. at Town Hall. Here is the agenda, with a link for those who wish to view this at home.

Agendas are subject to change. Check the city website.