Discussions at the Bethlehem Town Council meeting brought forth the importance of the Greenway Trail Gap project to the community. The resolution to authorize the mayor to execute agreements for a $250,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development passed with a 7-0 vote. The investment in the Greenway Trail Gap is a strategic move anticipated to close existing trails’ gaps, thereby improving community access and promoting outdoor activities.

The council also discussed the positive impact of the Local Urban Renewal Authority (LURA) program, particularly at the former Bethlehem Steel site, where significant investment and employment growth have been recorded. The program has supported 33 projects with $892 million in investment and nearly 6,000 current employees. The distribution of these projects includes the Southside, Northside, and affordable housing projects, with tax abatements gradually decreasing over a 10-year period. The potential for reauthorizing the LURA program and expanding it to include other areas such as the Penrick neighborhood was also a topic of conversation.

Another focus of the meeting was the evaluation report for the CRIZ program, which revealed nearly $2 million in tax incentives received by beneficiaries, a marked increase from the previous year. Private sector investment in CRIZ projects climbed to $229.5 million in 2023, supporting a total of $35.1 million in CRIZ debt.

The meeting addressed other economic development programs, noting the lack of activity in the Enterprise Zone Loan program and the Bethlehem Small Business Loan Fund, with only one loan of $290,000 issued in 2023. The North Side LERTA, known as the IDPA, was clarified to be specific for the North Side of the city, and questions about tracking businesses within Keystone Innovation Zones were answered.

The appointment of Michael Reich as the new fire chief was also a significant talking point, with council members expressing their support and acknowledging his experience and leadership. The mayor and council members commended Reich’s professionalism and excitement for the role. The appointment of Thomas Arizone to the Fine Arts Commission was also discussed, with council members expressing their support and welcoming Arizone to the role.

Additionally, the council voted on various ordinances and resolutions, including those related to replacing lead service water lines and applying for a grant on behalf of the National Museum of Industrial History. The council expressed satisfaction with the grant application, noting the museum’s need for additional space and programming.

The council engaged in a discussion about water fountains in the city, revealing that only five or six of the 19 fountains were operational due to maintenance issues. The importance of water access, especially in parks, was emphasized as a basic right, and the need for a strategic approach to incorporate water fountain maintenance into ongoing park projects was discussed.

The meeting also touched upon recent events involving a former police officer’s arrest for alleged misconduct and the impact on the school community. The mayor reported on the incident, and council members offered support to the school community, highlighting the need for transparency and ongoing efforts to rebuild trust.

Public comments during the meeting brought up various community concerns, including issues related to the Bethlehem water department, the desire for resolution over an entertainment ban at Arts Quest, and the financial burden of healthcare. Additionally, an individual requested a response regarding the council’s handling of a resolution at a previous meeting, inquiring about compliance with the Sunshine Act.

In new business, a councilwoman discussed the 2024 Fair hearing report, indicating it was informational only, with no actions taken. Communications from various departments on contracts and grants related to water and sewer resources, economic and community development, and emergency operations planning were presented. Moreover, the council passed use permit agreements for several community events, including the Juneteenth Lehigh Valley Music Festival and the Holy Infancy Roman Catholic Church Cultural Celebration, as well as certificates of appropriateness for property repairs and improvements in the city.