Don't let land-deal uncertainties derail progress at Bethlehem Works

The Morning Call - Editorial - May 7, 2004

There has been much to be optimistic about in south Bethlehem in recent months. The business district is thriving along Third and Fourth streets and private investors are moving ahead with new commercial and upscale housing projects. Most importantly of all, there were signs that a new attitude of openness and community spirit was invigorating plans for the Bethlehem Works portion of the former Bethlehem Steel property.

One potential developer backed out, and, led by Mayor John Callahan, local non-profit agencies and community volunteers, discussion about how the 120 westernmost acres on the property might be used all of a sudden became much broader. At about the same time, supporters of the proposed National Museum of Industrial History refocused their efforts and are within $2 million of building an exhibit hall in the old Electric Shop. Having the museum itself and the rest of the property become less ''enmeshed'' was a good thing.

Then, on April 30, a news story jolted everyone. A new developer, Michael Perrucci, was said to have an agreement to buy the land in question from International Steel Group, ISG, which acquired the property after Bethlehem Steel's bankruptcy. It wasn't clear then — and still isn't — what this potential transaction means to the bigger goal of developing Bethlehem Works.

We believe it should have little effect on the ''visioning'' process going on now. One odd aspect of all the talk about Bethlehem Works was that none of the parties involved owned the land. The intensity of feeling about what should happen never matched anyone's ability to act on those feelings. If and until Mr. Perrucci actually closes a deal, that will not change.

Therefore, we encourage all those who are trying to steer Bethlehem Works toward a positive outcome to stick with it. Mayor Callahan can be a real catalyst. The Save our Steel citizens group, the Historic Bethlehem Partnership, Lehigh University, Steelworkers' Archives, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, South Bethlehem Historical Society, ArtsQuest, Northampton Community College and the Mayor's South Side Task Force are among those who need to be heard.

Understanding that the last 120 acres of Bethlehem Steel land is a relatively minor issue for ISG, we add one other suggestion. ISG, too, must be at the table. A commitment and a firm time line from the company will further empower the Lehigh Valley to make this important project come out right — whoever the developer is. ISG's insistence on an open process also will defuse the nasty intramural Bethlehem politics bubbling right below the surface.

City, county and state governments all have made commitments of millions of dollars to Bethlehem Works and economic development across south Bethlehem. Bethlehem Works can and should be the centerpiece.