Star of Bethlehem is eyed for historic register

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) -- Officials might nominate the Star of Bethlehem, the iconic electric light overlooking the city, to the National Register of Historic Places in response to a proposal by the Federal Aviation Administration to place a radar tower nearby.
The Historic Bethlehem Partnership and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce said they intend to research the history of the star, an 81-foot-high galvanized steel structure that was erected about 60 years ago and can be seen 20 miles away. The re-creation of the biblical star is one of the signature features of Bethlehem, which promotes itself as "Christmas City U.S.A."
Environmental assessment
The FAA recently completed an environmental assessment report for its proposed 116-foot-tall tower, designated for use by Lehigh Valley International Airport. The report identified a Lehigh University-owned plot more than a half-mile east of the star as the tower's "preferred location."
The FAA has given Lower Saucon Township, where the tower would be located, until Sept. 16 to respond to its proposal.