Jan 22 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Paul Muschick The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.

Allentown may become the latest local government in the Lehigh Valley to form an environmental advisory council, to help guide the city's redevelopment, conserve energy and protect natural resources.

The council could suggest new programs to public officials and review land development plans, but could not enact laws on its own.

Bethlehem and many boroughs and townships already have the advisory bodies.

Allentown City Council introduced legislation last week to form one, at Mayor Ed Pawlowski's recommendation. No date has been set for a vote.

"We want it to be a proactive group, not just reactive," Pawlowski said. "We're going to use them basically as a sounding board. ... The goal is to create a green city."

He said it could study how to reduce emissions from city vehicles and buildings, build stream buffers in parks and spend new federal energy grants Allentown could qualify for.

"We're doing a lot, I think, for a city our size," Pawlowski said. "I honestly believe we can do more, and I believe that over time it's going to save us some significant dollars by being proactive."

The environmental advisory council would meet publicly and work closely with the Planning Commission, including having a commission member sit in a non-voting position. Officials foresee the council as a forum for residents to express views on planned developments and related issues.

A memo to City Council from the city administration says having an advisory council could increase the cost of some developments and create more bureaucracy, but over time should help preserve the city's environment and help maintain real-estate values.

Bethlehem's environmental advisory council was created late last year. City Councilwoman Karen Dolan, who lobbied for its creation, said its first tasks include studying ballfield lighting. It wants to ensure lights shine on the field and not on neighboring properties, and the equipment is energy-efficient and long-lasting.

"What's really exciting to me is that the cities are starting to realize there is a need for some environmental advisement," Dolan said. "People really think of nature as something that's out there, and the city as being something that really doesn't have an environment."

If Allentown creates a council, public officials should be prepared to act on its suggestions, said Rick Loomis of the city's chapter of Clean Water Action, a national organization fighting water pollution.

"It doesn't do any good to put together a committee and then ignore their advice," he said.

The council would be seven unpaid members, nominated by the mayor and approved by City Council.

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