Stronger than Steel
Readers seek help for preservation emergencies
/ Oct. 28, 2003
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Dear Preservation 911,
We have an urgent situation in Bethlehem, Pa., where
we could lose an irreplaceable part of our nation's industrial
history.
The former Bethlehem Steel plant, which made a majority
of the guns, shells, and armor plate that helped win both World
Wars and provided the steel for the Golden Gate Bridge and the
Chrysler Building, is the last industrial revolution era fully
integrated steel mill in existence in the western hemisphere.
There is a plan in place to create the Smithsonian
Institution-affiliated National Museum of Industrial History and
to rehabilitate the historic factory buildings into shops, restaurants,
and lodging, but it is in jeopardy by the pending sale of the
property. A Philadelphia area development group has stated their
intention to raze the entire complex for yet another big-box retail
and entertainment center, and the sale is rumored to be nearly
complete.
We have started the grassroots citizens group called
"Save Our Steel" and created a Web
site to raise awareness and to encourage people to write letters
of support public officials. Prevailing opinion is that Governor
Ed Rendell holds the key to either saving the site or allowing
the demolition, so it is vitally important that people contact
him to let their opinions be known.
We hope that you will review our Web
site and look forward to hearing from you with any suggestions
or advice. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michael Kramer
www.saveoursteel.org
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