Sunday, July 1, 2007

Second Vote On New Recreation Fee Set for Tuesday

Bethlehem City Council is set to vote on the second reading of the Recreation Fee Ordinance on Tuesday evening at Town Hall. Council previously voted 5-0 in favor of the ordinance, which increases the current recreation fees that developers pay when building in the city as much at 650%.

Why it is good- With the development of the Steel on the horizon and other residential developments in the works, developers will be paying a fee that will ensure that parks and recreation facilities in the City will be maintained and expanded upon.

Why it is bad- Council rushed this ordinance to the agenda at its last meeting, so that the changes in the fees would include the Martin Tower Redevelopment. Since it was rushed, the council failed to get public input on the new ordinance, and even failed to consult the Bethlehem Recreation Commission.

While I understand the need for the fee change, I am disappointed that Council failed to get public input before voting on the ordinance.

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