City residents expressed their views on the proposed rezoning of the Martin Tower site at a public hearing with city council Dec. 8. While many were in favor of developing the site, many took issue with how the proposal was drafted and urged council members not to vote for the rezoning when it comes up for second reading at their Dec. 15 meeting.

Residents expressed outrage at the recent disclosure that developer Lewis Ronka was involved with members of the administration in drafting the proposal, while council members and the public were assured that the proposal came directly from the administration.

Council members did not take any votes at the public hearing, and for most of the meeting simply sat and listened as members of the public and business community spoke.

Council member Eric Evans explained amendments to the original rezoning proposal which he said would place “limitations on what can be done” on the site. The amendments also changed the listing of the amount of retail allowed on the site from a percentage of the total to an amount in square feet, which he said was easier to quantify. The amendments also would limit smaller retail stores on the site. Evans said he felt that provided a balance of uses as well as flexibility for developing the site, but limiting retail would push for residential and office as primary uses.

Resident and business owner Krisann Albanese said she understood why the developer would push to have the site zoned for his benefit. “I respect that. He’s a developer,” she said. However, she added, “I trust that you are my checks and balances. Do you have all the facts?”

Resident Andrew Dorman said the asbestos in the building has to be fixed even if the building is demolished, so that expense should not be a consideration for council members. He urged council members “not to rubber stamp developer’s timetable.”

Another resident, Peter Crownfield, said the involvement of the developer in the proposed zoning change was inappropriate. He urged council members, “Don’t pass this. Don’t vote for it with or without amendments.”

Bruce Haines, owner of the Aardvark Sports Shop, said the proposed zoning change as amended allowed for about 380,000 square feet of new retail. “That is still a lot of retail,” he said. He said that is about 1.5 times the size of Westgate Mall or about 80 percent of the size of the Promenade Shops. He also said if changes were made to the zoning after the site has been approved by the state for City Redevelopment Improvement Zone (CRIZ) funds the change would have to be resubmitted to the state at the risk of losing the state funding. He asked council to commission public opinion poll to determine how to best develop the site.

Jeff Fegley, owner of the Bethlehem Brew Works, thanked Evans for explaining the amendment process. He said the disclosure that the developer was involved gave council members “an opportunity to cry foul, an obligation to speak up” against the proposal. “Mayor, you owe the taxpayers their money back,” he said to Mayor Robert Donchez. “This process was gone through the wrong way.”

Haines, who is also the managing partner of Hotel Bethlehem, said the developer’s involvement “changes the ballgame. The real issue is that we have an administration that is out of control.” He said, “It pains me to say that there has been no openness or transparency” during the drafting of the proposed zoning change.

Haines commended Evans for “trying to do something to address our concerns.” He told council President J. William Reynolds, “You were right. The problem is over here,” he said, indicating the mayor and members of the administration.

Haines continued, “We don’t need a new zoning. We need a new developer.” He said council members, Planning Commission members, city residents and the state were deceived as to the level of involvement from the developer but that city council members are “the only ones who can do anything about it.”

Resident Sarah Freedman objected to “what seems to be back room deals. We want to be included in planning,” she said. She urged council to put a hold on the rezoning. “Look at our city as a whole and embrace our treasures,” she said.

Olga Negron-Dipini, former member of Planning Commission and council member elect, said, “I feel I was lied to” during the process when the rezoning was before the Planning Commission. “What happened here is outrageous. I find it disrespectful.” She said upon joining the council in January 2016 she plans to introduce anti pay-to-play legislation. “I was elected by the people to represent the people,” she said, to applause from the audience.

Resident Dana Grubb said many people are concerned about how the proposed zoning change was drafted, even those who support it. He read aloud the contact information of the FBI office in Philadelphia “as a public service.”

The level of retail subsidized by CRIZ revenue is a slap in the face to merchants who have struggled through tough economic times without such assistance, said business owner and resident Dwight Taylor. “It’s completely unfair and improper. It’s not the obligation of this city to make sure the developer can maximize his profit. There is no reason to change the rules.”

Neville Gardner, owner of Donegal Square, said, “I feel like I got conned,” and wondered what hold the developer has to exert such influence. He urged council members to “figure out what you want to do with your city” before proceeding with any zoning changes.

Fegley said council member Bryan Callahan had threatened him earlier in the evening before the meeting started. Although Reynolds recommend Callahan not to respond to the charge, Callahan said to Fegley, “I simply told you I had an issue. If you take it as a threat I apologize.”

The proposed rezoning will be voted on for second reading at the council’s Dec. 15 meeting.

Fegley urged council members to dissociate themselves by not voting for the proposal. “You have an opportunity. Don’t be a part of it,” he said.