Photo by Daniel Cobar
I know what you’re thinking, not another South Side Bethlehem blog. But, I feel that it is necessary to let everyone know I attended my first Bethlehem City Council meeting last Tuesday and for very good reason, too.
At about 1:15 p.m. Tuesday I received an urgent text message encouraging me (and everyone else on the mass text list) to meet at Homebase Skateshop. Why? Well, because owner Andy Po had found out several moments prior to the frantic text messaging and social media networking overload that someone on the council was threatening to take funding specifically allocated for the Bethlehem Skateplaza Project and use it for a “rainy day” savings fund instead.
Photo by Daniel Cobar
There was no way Andy and all of his supporters were going to let that happen! So, at 6 p.m. a large group, including myself, met at the Skateshop, picked up a handmade rally sign (the room wreaked of magic marker), and prepared for what could have been a horribly disappointing meeting.
At City Hall, nearly 100 people gathered and quietly entered the budget meeting making it one of the largest crowds at a final budget hearing ever. Supporters spilled into the hallway. At 7 p.m., deliberations began with the public forum. About 10 people, including well-known community members, Police Commissioner Stuart Bedics, Andy, and local skateboarders spoke in support of the project citing it will finally give skaters and BMXers a safe and legal place to go. Plus, the Skateplaza will become a destination point as well as an economy booster encouraging those (especially parents who drop their kids off at the Skateplaza) to visit local shops, restaurants, and the Casino.
After two budget amendment discussions were complete, Councilman Joseph Leeson, Jr., took to the mic to explain why he wanted to use the funding for something else like the city’s water system. His rationale was that the economy is poor and this is no time for luxuries. However, what he apparently failed to realize is that the grants could only be used for the project and nearly $350,000 would have been lost, gone back to the state, or used in another community. Only about $200,000 could have been placed in that “rainy day” fund. It almost seemed like a moot point.
Skateplaza rendering
After Leeson spoke, we intently listened to the council’s rebuttals. Many of that night’s silent supporters (who truly spoke volumes) were on the edge of their seats. It was incredibly pleasing to hear what the council members had to say. In a final 6-to-1 vote, Leeson was outvoted and the Bethlehem Skateplaza Project was saved! Clapping and hushed shouting ensued as the verdict was announced. Council president Robert J. Donchez even took a moment to thank everyone for attending and graciously acknowledged our support then issued a two-minute intermission so we could leave because by then it was 9 p.m. Mayor John Callahan rushed out into the hallway to shake hands and congratulate Andy and those who attended for a job well done.
Skateplaza rendering
Honestly, it was rather neat to witness a group of people came together for one particular cause and fight for it. Democracy is not dead! Who knew? I simply attended because I have seen first-hand the fundraising and hard work done by my friends and skateboarders alike and I thought it was ludicrous one person wanted to take it all away. Congrats to those involved with this incredible project! If you’d like to learn more about the Bethlehem Skateplaza project, visit bethlehemskateplaza.com or homebase610.com.
