Sept. 4, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Bethlehem is becoming a more vertical city, and not just in the South Side. A developer proposes to demolish several buildings on North New Street in Bethlehem to put up 82 apartments.
The Bethlehem Planning Commission will review the idea at a meeting Sept. 10. No other developments are on the agenda as of today.
The plan for 701-719 N. New St. includes retail space on the first floor and an 84-space parking garage. The image provided of the building shows five floors, while the plans indicate there will be six floors including ground-level parking.
The area now consists of a mix of housing and commercial uses.
The proposal comes from BPG Investments II, a limited liability corporation. The plans show apartments ranging from studios at 485 square feet to two-bedroom units with 1,010 square feet. Amenities include an atrium, gym and party room.
The plans include a rooftop deck and other spaces for residents.
The Bethlehem Planning Commission will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10 in Town Hall. In addition to reviewing the New Street plan, the commission will review Bethlehem’s five-year plan for capital projects.
Agendas are subject to change. Check the city website closer to the meeting date.
Keep tall buildings outside Historic District on Northside. This is outside the area fortunately but Mayor’s disrespect for Historic District is unforgivable.
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There is a huge deficit in housing in Bethlehem … last estimate was at 1300 units and that was a year ago ….. it’s probably 1500 by now . No one wants new development, but without it rents and housing prices are going to sky rocket even more . 2 bedroom units are getting $2500 a month … that’s crazy ! It’s supply and demand .
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If new apartments are rented by people from outside the city, does that make the housing deficit a moving target?
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Of course new apartments will be rented by some people outside the city. But also to some people from within the city. These people from outside the city were going to come here and find housing one way or another, driving up the price if there is not enough supply. It IS all about supply and demand rather than some nativist ‘NY and NJ people are driving the price up’ whining. People want to live in Bethlehem. It’s a good thing. The law of supply and demand is just plain old capitalism and local government has nothing to do with it unless the builder wants a zoning variance or approval to build in the historic district, which this is not.
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Bethlehem is turning into a mini Philadelphia.
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Bethlehem has lost the script. Again, developers are in control and the people who have lived in Bethlehem for generations are suffering the consequences. Apartments don’t enhance a community because those people aren’t putting down roots and truly invested in the community. Most renters are just making the developers rich.
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Developers are in control of the land they buy. It’s how it works. If a developer buys a piece of land, they are allowed to build whatever they want (rental, condo, whatever) and whatever size, as long as it follows the zoning code. I’m not sure how you expect to control a system where the developer is doing something that is completely allowed and legal.
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Of course I know that, so no need to act as though I am a simpleton. Seems to me that Abe Atiyeh bought a lot of land and hit many roadblocks when he wanted to develop. Not an Atiyeh fan in the least, but why Ronca and Villani, but not Atiyeh?
Most developers have a lot more money and influence than the average citizen, so when one knocks on a door and offers to buy a property, they have the dough. Just like Villani and the North Boulevard house. Bought with ulterior motives, but now, according to you, can do pretty much as he wishes.
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Abe buys land zoned for one use and tries to change the allowed use, in many instances. That is a heavy lift and usually fails. But yes, people can pretty much do whatever they wish when they buy land. It’s not about influence, it’s about capitalism. What does ‘buying with ulterior motives’ mean?
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