Closure of West Packer Avenue is now assured, at least for the duration of a study to determine the effects of closing one of the major east-west thoroughfares in South Bethlehem. The temporary closure, if deemed successful, will lead to permanent transfer of ownership of the road to the current property owners on each side of the road which, for the most part, is Lehigh University.

Bethlehem City Council voted 3–2 Feb. 18 to approve LU’s request for the test closure, one that ,according to the University’s spokespersons, permanent closure will benefit both the university and Southside.

Councilmembers Dr. Paige Van Wirt and Grace Crampsie Smith voted against the plan. Van Wirt saw the plan as a desire of L.U. to “consolidate their campus.

“We can’t get this wrong,” said Van Wirt.

The temporary closure affects West Packer Avenue from its intersection with Vine Street to its intersection with Webster Street

The planned closure would last from March 9 through the end of April.

Lehigh University’s Associate Vice President for Facilities and University Architect Brent Stringfellow said closing the road would improve traffic and pedestrian safety, walkability, and provide new open space for university and community events.

He described the test closing or study as having “minimal impact,” that would “show the proof of concept” needed for further decisions on the project.

Stringfellow said the university would work with the Bethlehem Area School District and the Bethlehem Parking Authority to coordinate the project.

Several residents indicated they weren’t too sure that shutting down the busy street is a good idea. Several objections were put forward by citizens: loss of parking revenue, loss of a major thoroughfare across the city’s Southside, the effect of traffic in other neighborhoods as cars which formerly parked on West Packer Avenue. are displaced and forced to park elsewhere, increased traffic and safety issues on West Morton St. which serves Broughal MS.

Resident Kim Carrell-Smith was concerned that cars that can no longer park on West Packer Avenue will be diverted to residential areas. She also wanted city council to ensure that citizens’ concerns be incorporated into the planning process.

Former L.U. professor and Southside resident Stephen Antalics wanted to know “who benefits and who suffers?” in the closure plan.

Another resident suggested that instead of permanent closure of part of Packer Avenue, planners should consider “traffic calming” measures such as speed bumps.

In other business, the council approved 5–0 the rezoning of 2015 City Line Road from CS (Shopping Center) to PI (Planned Industrial). The property contains a 53,000-square-foot building which Matthias Fenstermacher, who said he is a principal in the company that owns it, is suitable for manufacturing and light industrial businesses.

The 5–0 vote is because Councilman Bryan Callahan and Councilwoman Olga Negrón were both absent.