Mayor Reynolds outlined the history of the Walnut Street Garage, focusing on the lessons learned from a failed pedestrian mall attempt in the 1970s. He criticized the urban renewal era for the displacement of low-income families and for causing downtown stagnation. The current parking system, deemed overbuilt, has reportedly cost the city opportunities for parking and vibrancy over the past 50 years. The administration advocated for a modernized parking system that uses technology to save money, maximize community investments, and avoid overbuilding.

The proposed new garage does not aim to replicate the current 770 parking spaces, with the administration citing severe financial implications of excessive parking capacity. The emphasis was on understanding long-term parking usage trends, with examples from Scranton and Harrisburg serving as cautionary tales of negative consequences from bad parking authority deals. The administration also underscored the importance of reinvesting parking authority revenues back into the community, supporting initiatives like the Downtown Bethlehem Association and the Southside Arts District.

The council also discussed the condition and future of the Walnut Street Garage. A presentation highlighted the money spent on emergency repairs to keep the garage open and the recommendation from comprehensive condition reports to consider demolition and rebuilding with development opportunities. The site feasibility study, the estimated cost of maintaining the garage over 20 years, and the decision-making process regarding demolition were also debated.

Mayor Reynolds presented a analysis of parking trends and usage, noting that despite peak times during major events like Music Fest, there were still available parking spots in the garages. The need for a new garage was questioned by some, given the current vacancies in existing garages and concerns about overestimating parking demand. However, the Mayor argued for the importance of strategic parking planning.

The council reviewed the financial burden of maintaining the current garage, with estimates indicating the need for several million dollars in repairs by 2024. The feasibility of waiting until 2025 for demolition was discussed, but concerns about the financial strain on the city led to a decision against postponement. The council also deliberated on the recommendations of the Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB) regarding the design of the proposed garage, touching on the requirement for the new garage to match the footprint and height profile of the existing structure.

Mayor Reynolds underscored the city’s responsibility in managing its debt and highlighted the efforts to pay off $71 million in the last nine years. With the city’s debt expected to decrease from $171 million to $56 million over the next four years, taking on additional debt for the parking garage project was a point of concern. The Bethlehem Parking Authority’s financial independence and the ability to secure financing without the city’s backing were also addressed.

The meeting included a presentation by architectural and engineering firm TH, discussing the proposed submissions for the parking garage project. The firm emphasized the need to incorporate historical elements, size the facility properly, and maintain financial viability. The presentations sparked debate over the necessity and financial implications of the $27 million investment in a new garage, the long-term viability of the project, and the potential impact on taxpayers.

Councilwoman Cy raised questions about the height and footprint of the proposed development and the timeline of the RFP process. A debate ensued regarding the process for asking questions, leading to a discussion about the rules of order for future committee meetings. The possibility of selling land to a developer for residential units was also debated, with concerns about affordability and the impact on parking.