The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission granted a certificate of appropriateness for new signage at 331 Broadway to business owner Devron Epps at the March 21 meeting held in the Rotunda. The vote was unanimous.

The proposed 12-foot by 2-foot black plastic composite plate reads, “Source Code Fashions” with a circular logo at the left. It replaces the black aluminum blank already installed on an old box sign of the same size. Lettering is white with red highlights.

The logo for the men’s clothing store matches a previously approved hanging sign on the eastern corner of the building’s façade.

After consulting his sign maker by phone during the hearing, Epps agreed to the board’s request to add a white border around the edge of the already-created sign to act as a ‘pinstripe.’

The applicant was advised that in the future, when he comes with a proposal to the HCC, he should do so before having the work done.

The two and one-half-story masonry end of row unit built circa 1885 is owned by Tim Gaugler.

Chairperson Diane LaBelle from the South Side Tomorrow’s Development Committee presented results of a grant-funded South Side Lighting Study to HCC for discussion. This steering committee is working with the city and the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem (CADCB).

LaBelle explained that lighting along the north-south streets in the Southside commercial district was identified as a community priority in the Southside Vision Master Plan 2014-2024. The commercial district stretches between Lynn Avenue in the east to Five Points on the west. Part of this area falls within historic district boundaries. When a template is developed for street lighting, as well as for illumination for outdoor artwork, it may impact future lighting proposals that would be reviewed by the HCC.

“So that lighting at one end of South Bethlehem would reflect the lighting on the other end of South Bethlehem,” said LaBelle regarding developing a comprehensive plan for a “unified look.”

LaBelle presented slides of suggested lighting installations for Polk Street as a “demonstration street” for the north-south lighting. She described Polk as “Theater Row” which links with various South Side theatrical venues. Special lighting treatments for around these venues, such as the Touchstone Theatre and Charter Arts, were suggested.

Hanging tree lights along the Greenway had been suggested by the lighting consultant.

When LaBelle welcomed feedback, Seth Cornish asked if the lighting for the historic district would be different than for the rest under the comprehensive plan, as the HCC looks for historically appropriate fixtures.

Since some of the venues are in and out of the historic district, LaBelle asked if they could allow for “a little bit of leeway” toward the “Theater Row” designated buildings if they “went beyond” what would be normally allowed.

Desiree Strasser suggested that “Theater Row” lighting would be toned down on nights when there are no shows scheduled.

Historic Officer Jeff Long mentioned that street lighting did not fall under the commission’s perview, but anything attached to building façades does. He mentioned that 4000-5000 kelvins are recommended.

Vice Chairman Craig Evans agreed with Long, that anything attached to buildings needs to be considered by HCC.

Afterward, the commissioners discussed the possibility of presenting awards of merit to applicants who had successfully completed projects that had once come before the commission. Mike Simonson volunteered to reach out to former chairman Phil Roeder for input.

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The commission’s recommendations are later reviewed, and then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.