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First Presbyterian Church’s plan for affordable housing on its more than 30 acres in north Bethlehem, which could help alleviate the region’s shortage of livable spaces, is on hold following the departure of the church’s head pastor in the summer and a leadership transition.
The church’s associate pastor, the Rev. Lindsey Altvater Clifton, said this week the plan to build about 200 units was put aside temporarily after the Rev. J.C. Austin left for a new job at the end of July.
The Rev. Karen Kinney began as transitional pastor March 1, according to Clifton, who said via email, “so as [Kinney] gets on board and settled, we’ll be able to return attention to possibilities for the building and the campus.”
First Presbyterian unveiled its final concept plans last spring for housing at its property off Center Street. The plan could take several years or more to come to fruition. The congregation still needs city approval before beginning construction. The church also has been seeking a nonprofit partner, according to Clifton.
Leaders at churches, mosques and synagogues locally and nationwide have been exploring ways to provide much-needed housing on their property. Religious organizations are particularly well-suited to add to the Lehigh Valley’s limited housing stock because they are mission-driven and often own large buildings and plots of land, advocates say.
In Bethlehem, Allentown and Easton, the affordable-housing issue is complex, with a lack of undeveloped land a major barrier. It is rare that an urban plot of land becomes available for a major housing development.
But some Bethlehem residents have opposed the church’s project and any move by city officials to update the zoning ordinance in a way that it would “densify our established neighborhoods.”
The group Bethlehem for Unique Neighborhoods Inc., which arose in opposition to First Bethlehem’s plan, says on its website that changing the zoning for the church property would result in unintended consequences and negative impacts to the city. Group members say they are not opposed to affordable housing but do not want so much of it built in their neighborhood of mostly single family homes.
Ryan Dunn, a spokesperson for the group, said this week the organization is waiting to see what happens.
“I have no new information,” Dunn said. “They put everything on hold last year after their meeting at Wesley.”
More than 100 people attended a meeting June 18 at Wesley United Methodist Church, which is also on Center Street, regarding the city’s Opening Doors affordable housing strategy. Much of the session included concerns raised by people opposed to First Presbyterian’s affordable housing plan.
The Lehigh Valley, including Bethlehem, has seen rents and home prices soar over the last several years in an unsustainable pattern, which was highlighted in The Morning Call’s Room for More? series published in 2023.
Contact Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone at asalamone@mcall.com.
This story has been updated to note First Presbyterian is seeking a nonprofit partner, not a development partner.
