BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The proposed South Side Bethlehem Cultural Arts Center has received a directive: Go Green.
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Comprehensive Planning Committee on Tuesday voted to advise project developer ArtsQuest to incorporate environmentally friendly materials in the construction of the five-story, 78,855-square-foot center planned for the site of the Banana Factory at 25 W. Third St.
- Project developers of the proposed South Side Bethlehem Cultural Arts Center have been directed to use environmentally friendly materials in its construction
- The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Comprehensive Planning Committee voted to issue the directive
- The project is planned for the Banana Factory complex at 25 W. Third St.
Planning Committee Chairman Steve Melnick raised the concern during the virtual-only meeting.
“This project is well worthwhile and would be a big improvement to the area,” Melnick said.
“My only concern is that part of the project is being funded with public money … and there’s no mention of green environmental technology in the construction of the facility. That would set a great example if green was in the construction.
“Otherwise, it's a wonderful project.”
Finalizing the design
ArtsQuest President Kassie Hilgert said the nonprofit is finalizing the center's building design.
“There are certain green materials we can use, but they can be extraordinarily expensive.” Hilgert said said. “Our goal is to build a new cultural space for the entire community. But we have to be mindful of the costs.”
"That would set a great example if green was in the construction."Steve Melnick, chairman of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Comprehensive Planning Committee
Bethlehem Planning Director Darlene Heller said the city has an environmental advisory committee that is included in the project. But the issue hasn’t come to the planning committee for public review.
Operated by ArtsQuest, the Banana Factory complex comprises six connected buildings, including a former banana distribution warehouse. It is home to ArtsQuest’s visual arts education programs and includes 30 studio artists, three galleries and multiple classrooms.
The complex also is home to Pennsylvania Youth Theater, which offers dance, drama, and voice education to students ages 6-18.
ArtsQuest’s hierarchy say the need for the Banana Factory’s studios and classes, which are offered at low to no cost to the community, have outgrown the space.Flood plain
Flood plain, LANTA and bikes
Heller pointed out the project site is, according to the city’s flood plain maps, in the 500-year flood plain, not the 100-year flood plain that had been previously noted.
The correction was related to suggestions by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, to forego construction in the flood plain district.
“Our maps show that the elevation of the site is higher than the flood plain elevation,” Heller said.
The planning committee also noted that the area just outside the proposed construction site is a heavily relied-upon LANTA bus stop. It said LANTA strongly recommends the project developers plan for a bus shelter replacement at that site.
The planning committee also recommended that bicycle racks at the site be incorporated in the plan.
