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., January 16, 1996 -- To advance the redevelopment of its Southside heavy industrial properties, Bethlehem Steel Corporation today filed a proposal with Bethlehem City Council to create an Industrial Redevelopment Overlay District (IROD).

An IROD defines those uses which are permitted for a particular parcel of land, and by design provides the flexibility necessary to encourage the development of mixed uses on under-utilized properties. IROD is an effective approach consistent with the City's zoning code to achieve the planning goals and objectives for redevelopment of an area. IROD status would allow the development and marketing of the facility for a wide variety of possible uses -- from office space and technology centers, to museums and commercial, to light industrial. Proposals for a specific use of a designated parcel of land would be subject to site review by the City.

Curtis H. Barnette, chairman and chief executive officer of Bethlehem, said, "This is the first significant step which is designed to facilitate development of Bethlehem Steel's properties through a public-private partnership. One of Bethlehem's principal overall corporate objectives is to be a good citizen, and assisting with the economic revitalization of the Southside is a clear expression of that objective." Stephen G. Donches, Vice President, will be coordinating the effort for Bethlehem Steel.

The focus of the redevelopment efforts will be on the 160 acres that begin east of the Bethlehem Technology Center to just beyond the Minsi Trail Bridge, including the ore yards. Recommendations for redevelopment of that property are being prepared by consultants and will be presented by Bethlehem Steel to the community in the next few months.

With the approval of this proposed Overlay District, the 160 acres of Bethlehem Steel property on the Southside of Bethlehem would be more readily marketable to potential private and public developers and investors.

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