For Immediate Release

Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax

BETHLEHEM, Pa., March 28, 1996 -- Bethlehem Steel Corporation discussed today conceptual uses developed by its consultants for its 160-acre Southside Bethlehem property in a public meeting at Hotel Bethlehem.

Stephen G. Donches, vice president of public affairs, responded to a request from James A. Delgrosso, president of Bethlehem City Council, by presenting possible uses for the property that include:

• A technology area adjacent to the existing Bethlehem Technology Center that could be used by other high-technology businesses;
• A recreational/entertainment area that could include an Olympic-size swimming pool, an ice rink complex and a multiple-screen cinema.
• A business learning center encompassing the existing office buildings along East Third Street (the former headquarters building and the plant office);
• A museum site to relate the development of Bethlehem Steel and the nation's iron and steel industry, which may include preserving significant existing structures;
• A tract that could include various light industrial park activity such as light manufacturing, assembly and other uses;
• A heavy industrial area that includes a boiler/powerhouse that currently operates to serve Bethlehem Steel's ongoing businesses, and
• Ample parking on the perimeter of the 160 acres. In addition, a flexible area near the center of the property to be redeveloped allows for expansion of uses already suggested by the consultants as well as other uses that meet the guidelines of the Industrial Redevelopment District, which Bethlehem Steel is requesting of Bethlehem City Council.

The process of evaluating conceptual uses for the property continued for several months, and preliminary discussions with a number of potential developers were begun. "During those discussions, we were constantly asked about the present zoning of the property and how the mixed uses could be accomplished," Mr. Donches said. Advised by consultants that the potential for heavy and light industrial use was limited and could take up to 20 years or more to develop, "our concentration to accomplish economic revitalization had to be on a mixed-use or multiple-use approach.

"Of those qualified developers, without fail, we were advised to seek a mixed- use zone if we were to expect participation. It is readily evident that the best chance for development is through multiple uses. We don't believe that there is much argument against that approach," he said.

Stressing that Bethlehem Steel is not a development company, "we are for responsible development and have made every effort to advance this project for the benefit of the City and its residents.

"What we believe we have here is an industrial site that a responsible corporation is attempting to promptly return to productive use and to create jobs in a cooperative, supportive way with the public and private interest in mind. It is Bethlehem Steel's goal to attempt to promptly return this 160-acre site to productive use and through that to create jobs and activity that will improve the quality of life in Bethlehem and benefit our entire city," Mr. Donches said.