Why We Should Save Our Steel
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In Memoriam
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Save Our Steel - Home Page

A grassroots effort to preserve Bethlehem’s past while ensuring its economic future.

In Memoriam

Robert E. Burkey, retired Bethlehem Steelworker, passed away on December 6, 2006. We had the good fortune of meeting Bob through the Steelworkers' Archives. Over the years, we always enjoyed the time we spent in Bob's company. He was a good person with a truly genuine, one-of-a-kind character. We will miss Bob and his colorful stories that brought the stories of the Steel to life. Our community will be a little less bright without Bob around. Our sincere condolences to the entire Burkey family.

Obituary & Guestbook

Friends of the Steel Web Site
a coalition of public and private organizations and individuals dedicated to assisting in the long-term stewardship of the former Bethlehem Steel site.

Construction of the first phase of the redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel site is underway. The steel structure of the new Sands BethWorks casino is rising in the old ore pits, on schedule to open in mid-2009. Site preparations continue in other areas, readying the ground for a hotel, conference center and a variety of retail shops. Meanwhile, local groups and the City of Bethlehem are working with the Sands to include industrial heritage in all aspects of the redevelopment.

While the preliminary plans are encouraging, it is still early in the process and details of how the massive project will progress in later phases and the impact it will have on the community remain uncertain. SOS will continue to foster cooperation between interested individuals and organizations to help ensure that the final result is something everyone can be proud of: a thriving brown field redevelopment that achieves long-lasting success by embracing its unique industrial heritage.

It is vitally important that community voices are heard during the planning process. We urge you to write to the following elected officials with your opinions and concerns regarding the treatment of this precious national resource.


People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors.”
 
— Edmund Burke

Please Visit the Steel Store
We have several new items for sale. A portion of your purchase helps fund SOS efforts to encourage preservation of the Steel site.

A detailed scale model of the proposed redevelopment is currently on display in the main lobby of Bethlehem City Hall.
Please click here to view some photographs.

Our elected officials need to hear your opinion

Please e-mail Governor Rendell governor@state.pa.us,
Mayor Callahan bethlehemcs@bethlehem-pa.gov,
Representative Brennan jbrennan@pahouse.net
Bethlehem City Council cityclerk@bethlehem-pa.gov
to voice your support for redevelopment according to a comprehensive historical plan,
or use the information below to write letters:

The Honorable Ed Rendell,
Governor of Pennsylvania
Governor's Office
225 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-2500
 
Hon. Joseph F. Brennan, State Representative
7 West Fourth Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
(610) 882-1510
Fax: (610) 861-2112
Email: jbrennan@pahouse.net
The Honorable John Callahan, Mayor
City of Bethlehem
10 E. Church Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-865-7100
Bethlehem City Council Members
10 E. Church Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018

Please click here to download a printable sample letter to Governor Rendell (21k .doc file).
Please click here to download a printable sample letter to Mayor Callahan (21k .doc file).
Please click here to download a printable sample letter to Representative Brennan (21k .doc file).
Please click here to download a printable sample letter to Bethlehem City Council (21k .doc file).


This is an exciting time for Bethlehem and the region because the community will finally have an opportunity to help craft their own destiny, ensuring a sustainable future and allowing our sons and daughters to walk among the structures that made Bethlehem and America what it is today.

Please explore the links at left for more information,
sign up for our e-mail news updates, and check back often to keep informed.

Thank you for your support!

Contact us at info@saveoursteel.org

Photograph of the West End as viewed from the Pennsylvania Route 378 Lehigh River Bridge © James E. Frizzell, April 18, 2001 used by permission.
Website design by Synergistic Designs - Copyright © 2004 SaveOurSteel.org

 

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