For those who like to ice skate year round, or are involved in a recreational hockey league in the Lehigh Valley, it’s very likely that you have laced up your skates at the Steel Ice Center in south Bethlehem
Owner Keith Krem says the 22-year-old facility, next to SteelStacks at 320 E. First St., is the primary ice rink for a region that extends beyond the Valley, drawing people from a wide area. Not surprisingly, Steel Ice has outgrown its current footprint that includes two rinks.
“We’re obviously the primary ice facility for not only the area, but frankly, the region,” said Krem. “There’s some things to the south, but nothing within a one-hour radius. Our largest tenant is the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Youth hockey team, and we host year round programming, not only for them, but for all ages, ranging from youth programming there, and then up to programs like the Geezer League and Men’s League, etc.
“There’s just a constant need for ice resources. We’re practicing in the morning and we got programming ending at 1 a.m.”
On Thursday, the Bethlehem Planning Commission unanimously approved a plan to expand Steel Ice by 34,000 square feet, adding a third ice rink and an additional 6,000 square feet for a fitness center and support facilities.
The property, which covers 3.6 acres, already has the two professional hockey-sized ice rinks, locker rooms, snack bar, party rooms and a pro shop, along with the Steel Pub, a full-service restaurant.
Steel Ice Center management had presented a sketch plan to the commission in October and the city’s Bureau of Planning and Zoning had a short list of comments ranging from traffic to trees.
Chairperson Robert Melosky lauded Steel Ice for the smooth process.
“I want to commend you again for coming in with a sketch plan,” Melosky said. “That just kind of helps everything … I’m excited for this. I was just down there for Christkindlmarkt (at SteelStacks) and I was telling my family that there’s going to be another ice rink there.”
It was noted the events have been orderly in the neighborhood, even when going up against other big happenings such as Musikfest.
“I have been in that area when you are busy, and when there are events going on, and I know you’ll continue to manage traffic control,” Melosky said.
Krem said Steel Ice will continue to work with the Bethlehem Parking Authority to handle overflow capacity that includes using a nearby parking garage along Polk Street.
Commission member Joy Cohen asked about comments from the city’s Environmental Advisory Council in a letter dated Dec. 14. It asked about the use of energy-saving strategies and sustainable materials for construction.
Tracy Nelson Wescott, an architect with Highland Associates, highlighted the use of native plantings for stormwater credits, LED lighting with controls, daylighting through expansive windows and durable recycled materials. A green roof was explored but deemed unfeasible due to rooftop mechanical equipment.
Morning Call reporter Evan Jones can be reached at ejones@mcall.com.