By one vote, city council on Oct. 3 approved the Certification of Appropriateness for the Walnut St. Parking Garage. It will be demolished in early 2024.

Residents and local business owners spoke one after another about their concerns regarding transparency in the process, echoing points raised during the Sept. 21 council meeting.

Marsha Firtz, a past member of the Historic Architectural Review Board, addressed council saying, “HARB was persuaded at their last meeting to issue a COA for the demolition of the existing structure without knowing exactly what the replacement would look like, let alone whether it would comply with our guidelines.

“This is highly unusual. HARB has for many years followed a series of norms, which are internally generated and long-term policies on how decisions are made.”

Local business owner Dan Nigito questioned the methodology behind the planning, asking specifics about parking dislocation, as well as influx of cars during events such as Musikfest.

He also addressed specifics about the new structure. “Where is the debate on the garage on the height of it being discussed now?” It is rumored the new structure could be 10-15 feet higher than the existing one, concerning some residents about what a new skyline might look like.

Nigito made it clear he felt the process was being rushed and more public discussion was needed, now after the demolition, but before its approval.

Fritz and Nigito’s main points were reinforced by other local speakers.

Similar questions were raised by council members themselves.

A motion by council member Grace Crampsie-Smith, seconded by council member Dr. Wandalyn Enix, to send the matter to Public Safety highlighted concerns about the demolition itself. One main issue: the possible impact on the historic nature of the area and neighboring buildings.

Crampsie-Smith said many “surrounding buildings are historic buildings and I think we need to be really safe and know what the demolition will look like.”

A visibly anxious Steve Frenstrom, executive director of Bethlehem Parking Authority, did his best to allay the concerns of council, emphasizing the new structure will have features reflecting the historic nature of the neighborhood.

City Solicitor Brian Panella took time to explain certain legal definitions and criteria during the debate about preserving the historic nature of the area.

The motion failed 3-2.

Prior to the actual vote on the COA, Frenstrom went into detail about working to ensure that the demolition is safe, with minimal vibration. He also tried to reassure council member Rachel Leon’s concerns, stating, “I have spoken to all the neighbors” and their concerns have been taken into consideration.

Leon told Frenstrom she still had questions on matters such as the height of the building, and is looking to further discussion.

Frenstrom, as well as Council President Michael Leon, made the point more votes of approval will be forthcoming as designs and structural matters will need to be approved before the completion of the project.

Bethlehem Parking Authority is holding a public meeting about the demolition disruption, scheduled at the Hyatt Place Hotel Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.