A proposed but controversial drug treatment facility is a positive addition for the community, according to an expert witness at a Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board meeting.

The old Calvary Baptist Church is proposed for use as a drug treatment facility in Bethlehem.

Erik Hetzel, considered to be an expert in land planning, testified the former church location is appropriate for use as such a facility.

According to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance of Bethlehem, the future land vision of the city promoted adaptive reuse for underused and obsolete buildings and promotes business. Hetzel said the use of a former church as aresidential drug treatment facility would accomplish both objectives. Hetzel visited the center location and also has been to other locations where it could be placed.

The conversion to a drug treatment facility would be by special exception to zoning. No outpatient services will be provided.

As a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, the building would be taxable and would bring money into the community. Also indicated, street traffic would be less congested on the roads than if the building was functioning as a church. The proposed use of the building does not alter the appearance of the church. Local residents are extremely concerned with the proximity to a school.

Hetzel mentioned two similar institutions located in Berks County that are also in close proximity to schools. Hetzel insisted the facility is sufficiently separated in regards to the surrounding community. The proposed use of the church would be separated from the school by the parking lot, fire station, playing fields and a buffer such as a screen. The Lehigh Valley does not have many drug treatment facilities, which according to Hetzel is a “socially valuable service”.

Bethlehem City Council Solicitor Chris Spadoni, as well as attorney Steven Goudsouzian, questioned Hetzel about the surrounding school, parks, day care centers and sports fields nearby. While it was quoted Hetzel felt the facility should be “at harmony with the community” and is “good for the community,” he did not contact BECCA officials for their opinion on the matter. Local residents also questioned Hetzel’s opinion on the external lighting, fire alarm drills, aesthetic value of possible gates and cameras added to the facility, and also brought up the issue of church traffic only on Sundays, to which he could not comment.

City council expressed their opposition of concerns to the facility with a letter, presented at an earlier hearing. Local townspeople who were present at the meeting were against the conversion of the church for the proposed use.

The next meeting on the conversion of the church will be Wednesday January 4, 2012 at 6 p.m. at Bethlehem Town Hall.