The most pressing topic of the meeting was the heated discussion on housing conditions and development. Residents expressed deep frustration over inadequate living conditions and the rapid pace of new housing developments. Joe Daniels, representing concerned citizens, urged the council to impose a six-month moratorium on new housing developments unless at least 50% of the units are designated as affordable. He emphasized that unchecked development is driving up property values and rents, displacing long-term residents and altering the community’s character. Daniels also called for a permanent moratorium on off-campus housing from Lehigh University outside designated areas, citing harassment of homeowners and negative impacts on local communities. He proposed mandatory education for landlords and tenants to prevent disputes and suggested a dedicated landlord-tenant court to expedite resolutions, highlighting the inefficiencies in the current system.

A resident named Christina Ritar shared her personal struggles with severe housing issues, describing her living conditions as plagued by leaks, mold, and pests. She stated, “My son and I are getting sick,” and expressed frustration that despite her efforts to reach out to her landlord and the city, no significant action had been taken. This testimony emphasized the need for action regarding tenant rights and housing conditions in Bethlehem, highlighting the difficulties residents face in securing safe and adequate living environments.

The council also discussed ongoing issues with a problematic property that had been subject to multiple inspections and citations by housing inspectors. Despite these citations and fines, the issues at the property persisted. It was noted that while the property remains “fit for habitation,” ongoing problems have led to a new wave of citations. The council inquired about the role of the health department in addressing potential mold and lead contamination within rental properties. It was clarified that mold issues generally fall under tenant responsibilities and are not typically enforced by health departments. The conversation also touched on lead remediation, with the city participating in a HUD-supported lead and healthy homes program.

Another topic was the debate over municipal salaries. Resident Robert Virgilio raised concerns about the mayor’s salary. Virgilio stressed the importance of adequately compensating those in leadership roles, stating, “I’ve never seen a private company operate where the CEO is paid way less than the people who are working for the company.”

The council also discussed the contentious dynamics within the council itself. A council member expressed frustration over perceived criticisms regarding their tone and manner of speech during meetings, asserting their right to speak and emphasizing the importance of debate within the council. Another member responded by echoing the sentiment of respecting diverse opinions and underscored that disagreement does not imply disrespect. This highlighted underlying tensions within the council and among community members regarding priorities and the handling of issues like housing, accessibility, and governmental transparency.

Public safety was another key area of concern. Mr. Marucci addressed safety issues at the intersection of Ravenwood Drive and Bonnie Drive, advocating for the installation of speed bumps to mitigate reckless driving behavior that endangered pedestrians, especially children. The council acknowledged the need to investigate these claims further.

Further discussions included updates on the functionality of the city’s app used for work orders and complaints, with a council member noting that the app lacks a mechanism for providing feedback to residents about the status of their requests. This can lead to frustration, as residents may not be informed of the decision-making process regarding their submissions.

Several resolutions were also passed during the meeting. Notably, Resolution 10A authorized the transfer of a city-issued handgun to a retired police officer, and Resolution 10B approved engineering services for replacing a century-old drinking water reservoir. Additionally, a contract for a Parks and Recreation master plan was discussed, with emphasis placed on ensuring inclusive and sensory-friendly playgrounds.

The council addressed concerns about the accessibility of meeting agendas, exploring ways to make them more accessible to residents without internet access. Suggestions included posting agendas on the doors of City Hall and distributing them to public locations like fire departments.