— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Two medical-office buildings at the old Martin Tower site in Bethlehem are in line for a $9.075 million state grant, but city officials had little to say Wednesday about the 1,085 housing units that could also go up on the Eighth Avenue site.
The office buildings are close to being done, but as for housing, it is a mystery.
City Council voted in favor of Mayor J. William Reynolds’ request that the city support the application for a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant for two Lehigh Valley Health Network buildings where Bethlehem Steel Corp.’s Martin Tower headquarters once stood.
Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health operates locally under the Lehigh Valley Health Network brand. The two office buildings are approaching completion and may be occupied this fall.
The application for the grant sailed through Council’s meeting Wednesday, although Council member Bryan Callahan asked about progress on the potential 1,085 housing units proposed for the site. Callahan said housing prices are high, and adding units could help.
Mayor Reynolds said the city is “hopeful” that the grant and other public assistance will help the housing part of the development move forward.
Plans were for apartments, the office buildings and retail space.
“We’re hoping that anything starts to get built there,” Reynolds said.
The Martin Tower site once housed the headquarters of Bethlehem Steel Corp. When it became available, it was promoted as an unusual opportunity to develop substantial acreage in a growing city.
Now, it comes down to hope.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 