The Historical and Architectural Review Board listened to a proposal to fully demolish the Walnut Street Parking Garage at 33 Walnut St. and to some pushback against it at the three-hour meeting Aug. 2 in the Rotunda.

Bethlehem Parking Authority Executive Director Steve Fernstrom, assisted by Kevin Carrigan and Michael App from THA Consulting, sought a certificate of appropriateness to raze the aging 5-tier, 700-space parking facility and replace it with a six-tier, 591-space “right-sized garage” that would feature “approximately 6,000 square feet of amenity space at ground tier.” The pedestrian bridge connecting with a commercial building across W. Walnut St. and a four-bay brick garage on an adjoining lot behind the existing parking facility would also be demolished.

According to their project overview, the western section of the 476-foot by 116-foot property would be left available for future development.

Fernstrom described the existing structure as “past its useful life, it’s ugly; it totally sucks the energy out of our downtown, and in my opinion, not historically appropriate.”

The applicants argued the “underutilized,” 47-year-old steel frame and concrete building with thin brick veneer would cost the city more to maintain than it would be to tear it down and construct a new one.

Carrigan and App presented a slideshow pointing out the facility’s shortcomings, as well as what they termed “dangerous conditions” like cracked welds and spalling concrete. The presentation also touched on what the building’s replacement could conceptually look like. While the existing building is open for ventilation, the new garage would be enclosed with mechanical ventilation and sprinklers.

Director of Community and Economic Development Laura Collins and Deputy Director Alicia Miller Karner spoke in support of the project.

While most of those from the community agreed the existing parking garage is not attractive or historically appropriate, several were deeply concerned about possible effects of the demolition. As voiced by West Market Street homeowner Roco Damato, highest on this list were what vibrations could do to the walls and foundations of nearby 18th and 19th century buildings.

Dan Nigito mentioned his West Market Street home and office are at “ground zero” and expressed apprehension about how “noise, debris and vibrations” could impact him at 20 feet away.

Echoing previous comments, West Market Street resident, Martin Romeil also expressed distrust of the parking authority. Romeil questioned if the short timeline for the project’s approval process was intended to “limit public debate and input.” He said, “This could be a vote to demolish more than one structure.”

Bethlehem resident Jim Follweiler asked how the city plans to handle parking for those displaced during the demo and construction process.

“We need to put this project on pause,” advised Bruce Haines, managing partner at Hotel Bethlehem. The larger garage may be needed to handle the possible influx of tourists when Bethlehem is designated a World Heritage site next year.

While the building is considered “noncontributing” to a historic district, the commissioners voted to table the proposal. They requested the applicants provide additional details to address concerns brought up during public comment.

Artifact architect Christine Ussler, accompanied by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites President LoriAnn Wukitsch, received approval to stabilize the masonry wall at the rear of the Grist Miller’s House and remove the steel bracing. The wall would be strengthened with internal tie rods and steel plates capped with decorative stars.

The applicants are to return at another time with dormer design, signage, lighting and paint colors.

Built in 1782, the Grist Miller’s House at 457 Old York Road is located near the 1869 Luckenbach Mill in the city’s Colonial Industrial Quarter.

Ian van Halem was issued a COA on the condition he replaces the wooden front door in-kind, same style and color as the existing one at his residence at 127 E. Wall St. While van Halem initially requested approval for a raised panel steel-clad door, he was informed it would not meet historic guidelines. The commissioners assured him a heavy wood door is as strong as a steel one.

The applicant was instructed to replace the entrance door with one made of wood with the hardware to be reviewed administratively.

Anthony Silva and Margie Berns were granted a COA for the installation of a wooden lattice fence for their Town-Con unit at 155 E. Market St. Located along the side of their property, the new wood fence is to be painted Benjamin Moore Cushing Green.

Chairperson Connie Postupack recused herself from this agenda item.

“You’re regulars now,” quipped Historic Officer Joseph Phillips as Brandon and Erica Horlick returned with additional trim details for their previously-approved installation of a four-panel sliding door at 17 E. Church St.

Having appeared before the board multiple times as they renovate their historic dwelling, they were approved for installing plain pilasters and a window and door crosshead.

Danielle Gustafson scored a COA for her proposed 6-foot privacy fence at the rear of the building she lives in at 402 N. New St. The cedar shadowbox fencing panels are 30 feet long. A 4-foot-high cedar picket fence with gate would run an additional 36 feet along a concrete walkway facing East Church Street. The posts are to be capped with copper.

“I am thrilled to have these new neighbors at 17 East Church,” remarked Gustatson about the Horlicks and the ongoing restoration of their residence.

All votes were unanimous.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for City Council to vote on it before proceeding. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.