Bethlehem to Review Proposals for Apartments on Union Boulevard, Third Rink at Steel Ice Center

Jan. 7, 2025

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Bethlehem’s Planning Commission will meet Thursday to review plans for apartments on Union Boulevard, and an expansion of the Steel Ice Rink in south Bethlehem.

At 62-68 W. Union Blvd., property owner Nicholas Bozakis plans to put up a three-story building with eight apartments and 13 off-street parking spaces, with access via Masslich Street. The land is two blocks west of North New Street.

The net addition to the city’s housing stock will be six, counting the eight planned and less the demolition of two.

The Steel Ice Center will also pitch a proposed 34,000-square-foot addition to the 320 E. First St. It seeks to build a third rink, with fitness center but no spectator area, at the south Bethlehem facility.

Steel Ice features skating classes, youth hockey, private skating and hockey lessons, clinics and camps, along with public skates.

The Bethlehem Planning Commission will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 in Town Hall.

Here is a link to the agenda, and below is a cut-and-paste abbreviated version. Agendas are subject to change. Check the city website before heading to Town Hall.

PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, January 8, 2026 @ 5:00 pm Town Hall 10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem PA
The Meeting will be livestreamed for viewing purposes only on:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4HYHr4C6mVbfhRXhWYXaJw
Applications can be viewed at:
https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/calendar-planning-zoning, or in Bethlehem City Hall.

1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 11, 2025
3. (25-008 LD) – 25090001– 62-68 WEST UNION BOULEVARD – LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN –
   Ward 8, Zoned RT, Plan dated August 18, 2025, last revised October 31, 2025.
   The Applicant proposes to demolish both single-family detached dwellings (62 and 68 W Union Blvd, and 62 W Union Blvd has since been demolished) and construct a three-story multi-family (apartments) structure containing eight dwelling units; thirteen off-street parking spaces, with vehicle ingress and egress from Masslich Street; a dumpster pad and enclosure located at the rear of the parking lot; utilities, landscaping and other site appurtenances.
4. (25-009 LD) – 25110004– 320 EAST FIRST STREET (STEEL ICE) – LAND DEVELOPMENT
   PLAN – Ward 3, Zoned IR, Plans dated November 11, 2025.
   The parcel contains the Steel Ice Center, Player’s Choice Pro Shop and Steel Pub Sports Bar and Grille.
   The applicant proposes to construct an ~34,000 SF addition to the facility to contain a third ice rink, without spectator area, an ~6,000 SF fitness center, support facilities, a new masonry trash enclosure and stormwater management facilities meeting the water quality requirements of an NPDES permit.
5. GENERAL DISCUSSION ITEMS