Bethlehem City Council Meeting – September 16, 2025

The Bethlehem City Council met on September 16, 2025, to discuss a range of topics including encampment evictions along the canal, budget transfers for a World Heritage site coordinator position, and multiple grant applications. The meeting featured extensive public comment and council deliberation on homelessness, downtown business support, and traffic safety.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved for the September 2, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Peg Church (435 Brighton Street) expressed support for Mark Riddle's concerns about homelessness and urged the city to consider a tenting model similar to Harrisburg for safe, monitored camping. She also called for a quiet zone meeting with Norfolk Southern.
• Sean Kernan (414 West Market Street) requested benches at the bus stop at Second and New streets, noting the lack of seating and the dangerous intersection, especially for a pregnant woman he observed waiting.
• Anthony Spagnola (10 West 4th Street, Daggio) urged that $150,000 dedicated to downtown businesses not be reallocated, emphasizing that businesses contribute to the local economy and have faced revenue declines of about 20% due to parking and other issues.
• Artie Kurtola (813 Lawford Street) commented on political violence and metal detectors at gatherings, linking to broader concerns about safety and Palestine.
• Bill Shire (1898 Avenue) discussed the burden of tariffs on consumers, the national debt, and parallels to the Roman Empire, criticizing tax cuts for the wealthy.
• Valerie Noonan raised confusion about canal encampment evictions: a police captain reportedly said all parcels (including city-owned) would be cleared, while city employee Ms. Satulo said city parcels are not included. Noonan requested clarity and more solutions for those who will not go to shelters.
• Sam Masoto (814 High Street, Bond Place Brewing) proposed more police presence or a traffic camera at Taylor and Mechanic streets due to dangerous one-way street violations and near misses.
• Harry Faber (personal history shared) argued against encampment sweeps, calling them a form of political violence, and urged the city not to enforce them, especially with winter approaching.
• Stephen Antalix (737 Ridge) stated that housing problems were created by the city through historical discrimination and inequity between North and South Bethlehem, asking for assistance to make up for past sins.
• Lucas (housing instability) spoke about the need for action over prayer, fearing he may be houseless soon and asking for systems that care for neighbors.
• Nori seconded previous speakers, urging more time for people living outdoors and considering a Harrisburg-style model.
• Public Comment on Agenda Items: One speaker applauded the city's grant applications for Bethlehem Emergency Shelter (BES) capital improvements.

Discussion Items

• Encampments and Norfolk Southern: Council discussed the eviction notices posted by Norfolk Southern, UGI, and PennDOT on their properties along the canal. Chief Codd clarified that Bethlehem Police are accompanying Norfolk Southern police (who have a small tri-state force) and are focused on outreach and connecting people to services, not sweeps. Community Connections has been doing daily outreach, with 22 people now in intensive case management. The deadline (December 15) aligns with the opening of the seasonal BES shelter. Councilwoman Laird asked about a city-sanctioned camping site; Ms. Collins noted regional discussions about safe camping, but no city site is currently planned.
• Martin Tower and LERTA: Council debated a developer's offer to provide land and money for affordable housing in exchange for a LERTA (tax abatement). Councilman Callahan argued that doing nothing yields zero tax revenue, while a LERTA could generate millions and affordable housing land. Councilwoman Cramsey Smith and others expressed frustration that no administration-level discussions are occurring. Director Collins noted that the developer originally sought 1,700 units but now plans ~880; the city's affordable housing land inventory is nearly zero.
• Traffic Safety: Sam Masoto's concerns about Taylor and Mechanic led to discussion of traffic studies, citizen complaints, and pedestrian stings. Public Works Director Alcall said enforcement and surveillance are primary; health bureau can conduct pedestrian stings. Citizens' Traffic Advisory Committee meets monthly.
• World Heritage Site Coordinator Funding: A budget transfer of $150,000 from the downtown initiative fund to help fund a World Heritage site manager position (housed at Moravian University) was debated. Moravian is contributing over $100,000 annually plus benefits and support staff, and has provided $531,000 in in-kind services over two years. The city's contribution is $150,000 total over two years. Councilwoman Cramsey Smith voted no, arguing the money belongs to downtown businesses; Councilman Callahan initially opposed but switched to support after learning Moravian's contributions.
• Grant Applications: Multiple resolutions authorized grant applications: $800,000 (Monroe LSA) and $400,000 (Lehigh-Northampton LSA) for BES capital improvements; $2 million and $5 million RCAP grants for BES and South Side Community Center, respectively; also $205,427 for erosion control, $211,308 for Friendship Park change order, $20,000 for a city sign, and $105,170 for Greenway Trail Phase 7 design.
• Other: Councilwoman Laird recused from the World Heritage vote due to employment at Moravian. Council praised Community Connections work. The Flock license plate reader data privacy was clarified: data is not shared with ICE or DHS.

Key Outcomes

• Vote 9A (World Heritage site coordinator budget transfer): Passed 5–1 (Councilwoman Cramsey Smith nay; Councilwoman Laird recused).
• Vote 9B (women's health/immunization budget transfer): Passed 7–0.
• Resolutions 10A–10K: All passed 7–0, authorizing various contracts and grant applications.
• Directives: Council asked administration to explore conversations with Martin Tower developers regarding a LERTA and affordable housing. The city will continue regional collaboration on safe camping and encampment outreach.
• Next Steps: The five-year capital plan will be reviewed by committee of the whole on October 21, 2025. The next council meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 7, 2025.