Summer calls to mind trees, rain showers, parks and recreation. City council members discussed several summer-related issues at their June 2 meeting, including trees, impervious coverage in residential zones, police patrols at Saucon Park, and how recreation fees may be spent.

Tree ordinance

A proposed tree conservation zoning amendment would require land developers to replace each tree removed with just one new tree, rather than two as currently required.

Replacing trees two-for-one would still be required in RR (rural residential) and CM (office research center) districts, according to the proposed amendment.

If passed, the two-tree requirement would apply only new developments in the city's rural residential and office/research zoning districts. Currently the law allows developers to pay to plant trees elsewhere in the city rather than replacing trees that were taken down during construction.

The amendment would apply to existing trees eight inches in diameter when measured 4.5 feet above ground. If removed during construction, they must be replaced with trees with a minimum trunk diameter of 2.5 inches when measured 6 inches above ground. The replacement trees would also have to meet city specifications for street trees.

When developers pay for trees rather than actually replacing, that money goes into an account to be used for planting more trees along city streets or in city parks.

This ensures the city's tree canopy in urban core areas.

Council members plan to vote on changing the zoning law regarding replacement trees at the June 16 meeting.

Impervious coverage

Council members also discussed a proposed change to the requirements for impervious coverage in a zoning amendment that would allow a maximum impervious coverage of 50 percent in rural residential zones.

The RR zones are the lowest density residential zones in the city, with lot sizes of at least 15,000 square feet. Impervious coverage includes driveways, sidewalks, buildings and other structures where the rain runs off and cannot be absorbed back into the ground.

The amendment, first proposed in March, allowed for 75 percent impervious coverage in RR zones, was tabled because several members of council indicated they preferred limiting it to 50 percent.

Single family residential zones, the second lowest density zone in the city, will have a maximum of 75 percent impervious coverage. In that district lots must cover at least 8,000 square feet.

Currently the city has no limits on impervious coverage in its residential zoning districts

Resident Al Bernotas, who brought the issue of impervious coverage to the city council, said he was satisfied that the council is addressing the matter. "I'm happy they're doing what they're doing," he said, adding that it was first brought to his attention by Joseph Piterato, attorney for Elias Market.

Bernotas said he would actually prefer to see 25 percent maximum impervious coverage in RR zones, but he is pleased that council is addressing the matter. "It took a giant step. I think it's terrific," he said. "We're making a difference in Bethlehem, making it a better place to live. I'm happy that they passed this thing."

Asked what is next on his list of issues to tackle, Bernotas said the issue of clothing drop boxes and storage pods had been noted by council member Eric Evans recently. Placing limits on where drop boxes can be and how long storage pods can be in place "would keep it a nice place for people to want to be," Bernotas said. He also mentioned illegal signage, in particular commercial signs advertising kickboxing, that are in place for longer than they are supposed to be. In general, Bernotas said, the zoning ordinances are good, they just are not always enforced.

Saucon Park

Bethlehem police Chief Mark DiLuzio told council members that increased police enforcement at Saucon Park has helped to cut down on disturbance by some visitors, DiLuzio said. The city started staffing two police officers in the park from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, starting with the weekend of May 9.

Since the increased enforcement effort began, the park has been busy with visitors but has been more orderly, DiLuzio told council.

The city plans to continue the increased police presence at Saucon Park through July, including over the busy July Fourth weekend.

Recreation fees

Council members also discussed a proposed change to how recreation fees are collected from developers and how these could be spent. The fees are meant to provide for park and recreation facilities that are accessible to the developments nearby.

Recent changes to the state's Municipalities Planning Code give the city more flexibility in how it can spend those recreation fees and how quickly they must be spent.

The change allows the city to use the fees to acquire, operate or maintain park and recreation facilities, in addition to building new facilities. There is also no longer a time limit on spending the recreation fees.

The proposed ordinances for tree replacement, impervious coverage and recreation fees will be on the City Council's June 16 agenda for first reading, with votes for final passage at the July 7 meeting.