Aug. 12, 2026
Bethlehem’s Zoning Hearing Board will consider a plan to put up a 672-square-foot billboard at 1160 Hellertown Road.
That sign would be in addition to the Wendy’s restaurant at the site, near the intersection of Route 412 and Route 78.
The sign would face Route 78, according to the zoning appeal. It would be a static billboard, carrying a printed message, not a big video screen.
One quirk in the agreement to lease the site: “Subtenant agrees not to advertise any other fast food restaurant franchise, competing with the restaurant found on the premises.”
So a sign promoting McDonald’s won’t go up next to Wendy’s. That makes sense. Wendy’s (NASDAQ:WEN) has enough problems as a company without that.
The would-be developer is Realty Income PA Properties Trust, based in Florida, according to documents submitted to the city.
The applicant is appealing the zoning officer’s ruling against the sign on the grounds that rules cited are ambiguous.
The Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board will consider this appeal and others at a meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26 in Town Hall.
Agendas are subject to change. Check the city website closer to the meeting date.
Disclosure: I own shares in Wendy’s. I don’t recommend them, I just happen to own some.
Here’s the 1160 Hellertown Road site:
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