Lackawanna Mayor and Bethlehem Steel Owners Invited to Public Hearing

The demolition is at a stand-still at the Bethlehem Steel Administration building in Lackawanna and tonight there will be a public hearing to discuss a multitude of different topics in regards to its future. The event is called, "A Public Hearing for Old North" where citizens and leaders come together for a discussion about the building's fate. Doors open at 6:30pm, with the hearing beginning at 7pm at the VFW John B. Weber Post at 2909 South Park in Lackawanna, 14218. A newly formed advocacy organization whose co-founders are Lackawanna residents, the Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group, is sponsoring the event.

Volunteer opportunities working with the Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group are available and the following will be discussed at the meeting: How the creation of a "certified local government" in Lackawanna will open the way for a preservation ordinance, historic survey work, and access to preservation tax credits. The history of the building and those who have worked to save it for over twenty years. The current status of the demolition proceedings. Perspectives from the owners of the building, and the City of Lackawanna. A ReUse proposal and presentation of the National Register application. Lackawanna Common Council resolution requesting the Mayor to reconsider the current demolition plan. 

Invited panelists include Preservation Buffalo-Niagara, Lackawanna Industrial Heritage Group, Lackawanna Historical Society, Lackawanna city council president Henry Pirowski, Gateway Trade owners and the Mayor Szymanski of Lackawanna and Darren Cotton a local preservationist and reuse advocate.  All political representatives whose constituents reside in the area of Old North are asked to attend.  The Public will be invited to comment during the open session.  Chris Hawley is the evening's moderator.

The discussion surrounding the building has been receiving local and national attention like on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Blog and David Torke's coverage on fixBuffalo. A National Register nomination will be submitted later this month to further protect the building and allow the owners to pursue historic tax credits if the building is to be rehabilitated. Stay up to date and connected on the status of the building with the official Facebook page, Save the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building.

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