With a resounding nay, city council members voted unanimously against rezoning 119 Technology Drive at their June 6 meeting.

Debate began during a public hearing back in April regarding rezoning the property from Industrial Development to Central Business, allowing for a six-story complex with 240 units, but it mired in an argument about job creators versus housing on the Southside.

Matthias Fenstermacher, a principal partner of Serfass Development & Acquisitions, addressed council prior to the vote, saying, “Housing is the #1 issue in the City of Bethlehem. Many of you on this board have agreed that there is a significant housing shortage in terms of affordability and availability.”

Representing the Southside, Councilwoman Rachel Leon said, “The Southside is at a crucial point. It’s way more rental than it is owner-occupied.”

She added, “So many of the programs we have, the first-time homebuyers can’t even utilize them. The housing on the Southside is getting bought-out by cash-only bids. I never thought I’d like an apartment complex on the Southside but this is a good one. It really is. I was really impressed by the desire to contribute to the affordable housing when you weren’t mandated to. There’s nothing that is requiring you too. That would allow is to do things like purchase land to do our own, but at the end of the day, I represent the people of Bethlehem on the Southside and the people have spoken.”

Fenstermacher and other key players with Serfass Development & Acquisitions were see leaving the meeting right after the vote.

In other business, Bethlehem Firefighters Local 735 President Brian Salabsky addressed council regarding a recent issue with Fire Chief Warren Achey, “On May 15 and May 18, based on a laundry list of stuff that I will get out later, we conducted a vote of no confidence,” Salabsky said. “Out of our current membership of 95, 88 members supported the vote of no confidence of Chief Achey.

“Only four members supported the chief, and three members did not participate in the vote. This decision was not made in haste, but rather of a result of frustration at the lack of effectiveness in leadership of the fire chief, poor communications and action plans, and a threatening work environment that has left our members of local 735 in doubt of his competency as a leader.”

Mayor William Reynolds confirmed that he met with Salabsky May 23, and further discussions with city officials were slated for June 9.