Bethlehem Redevelopment Area:
Master Plan & Zoning Amendments

Lackawanna, New York

American’s staff includes the Project Manager retained to provide planning and GIS services to the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning and the Lackawanna Community Development Corporation to review and prepare amendments to the City of Lackawanna Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code for the former Bethlehem Steel property in Lackawanna, New York. The Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code amendments were recently adopted.

The Comprehensive Plan was reviewed to provide an up-to-date and viable redevelopment plan for the properties comprising the Bethlehem Redevelopment Area (BRA). To implement the revised BRA Master Plan, a series of zoning amendments were drafted for the City. The proposed zoning amendments included three new zoning districts dedicated to the establishment of business parks for light industrial and research and development, a heavy industrial area, and an inter-modal zone designed to enhance the operation of the Port of Buffalo and supporting rail services.

American prepared a Summary Report for the City of Lackawanna Comprehensive Plan Addendum and Proposed Zoning Amendments, which included revisions to: the use regulations for eight districts; parking and circulation; building orientation, character and materials; landscaping, screening and outdoor storage; and signage and lighting.

 
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Key tasks include:

  • American’s PM and staff actively participated in all meetings with the ad-hoc steering committee comprised of City, land owner representatives, and other stakeholders.
  • Prepared all GIS analysis and presentation maps.
  • Reviewed past studies and plans.
  • Developed Comprehensive Plan Addendum and Proposed Zoning Amendments.
  • Prepared final Summary Report.
  • Met with City officials to present results and recommendations to facilitate adoption.