City council saw a highly detailed and realistic walkthrough film July 20 that illustrated what the planned redevelopment of the now demolished Bethlehem Steel headquarters will look like when finished.

It was part of an effective effort by the Martin Tower developers to show council and the general public what the finished 53-acre project will look like.

Alloy5, a local company, produced the graphic presentation. The company’s spokesperson, Marketing Coordinator Bekah Rusnock, narrated the film that effectively showed the variations in topography and how the various building will relate to each other. The view’s perspective was varied, giving a good uphill view from various points, or a level view where the ground is flat.

For example, Rusnock was able to address some concerns, such as how the development will appear when viewed from the 6.5-acre Burnside Plantation, a visitors’ center on the eastern edge of the massive redevelopment project. As depicted in the presentation, it will be barely visible through the trees.

Rusnock said current zoning requires 10 percent greenspace, but the developer’s plan provides for 20 percent green space in the development.. She said 485 new trees will be planted, while the walking-friendly development will have almost three miles of sidewalk.

At least one feature, a gasoline station, seemed to take some lawmakers by surprise. Amenities include a pool for residents and a restaurant.

Those present then discussed a proposed zoning amendment to arrange four rows of parking spaces.

City of Bethlehem Director of Planning and Zoning Darlene Heller said her department supports the amendment.

Councilmember Dr. Paige Van Wirt said she was impressed with the “contextualization” of the project, but questioned if plans had been drawn to fit the city’s climate change plan. She said she continues to believe that the developers should be taking the entire request to the Zoning Hearing Board, like any citizen. She said she cannot support the amendment.

The proposed zoning text amendment was proffered by the developers and owners Lewis Ronca and Norton Herrick of SWB LR, Ltd., 8th and Eaton Holdings LP.

The proposed amendment will have its first reading Aug. 3 and if it passes, it will have a second reading Aug. 17, and if it passes again, it will become law.