Back on Nov. 5, Bethlehem City Council voted 4-2 to approve a "certificate of appropriateness" for a proposed 37-unit apartment high-rise to be built on the southeast corner of Fourth and Vine streets in Bethlehem.
Supporters believe the nine-story building will bring a needed economic boost to that area of the city. But on Tuesday, the South Bethlehem Historical Society filed a lawsuit against the city to stop the construction.
"The city went through great lengths and great expense to create a Department of Interior, Nationally Historic Registered District," South Bethlehem Historical Society President, Stephen Barron said. "And when they did that there are certain rules that all of the other business owners have followed."
The suit contends that City Council failed to provide reasons for the action it took in writing, as it legally is required to do by state law. It also maintains City Council failed to consider the impact construction of the building will have on that South Bethlehem Historic District.
"I don't even think people would complain about five stories but I think," Barron said. "Anything higher than that would be difficult to match the street scape."
Ritter Pharmacy owner, Charles MacDonald, said new development can only help his nearby business.
"We have a neighborhood dotted with tall buildings," MacDonald said. "If it is going to be residences or people working in the building, we'll have more customers for us."
But Barron said not enough research has been done to determine how the structure will impact other structures as well as traffic flow. He contends the city should have a proper hearing on the building.
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