Bethlehem City Council Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Bethlehem City Council met on May 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. The meeting included extensive public comments on a long-standing garbage issue at 1953 Eaton Avenue, a discussion on police training at the Steel City Gun Club, traffic safety concerns, and the approval of a controversial certificate of appropriateness allowing full demolition of four buildings at 327 South New Street. Several resolutions were passed, and a council meeting was rescheduled due to the primary election.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Bardino, Mark Sager, Daniel Fritzzi, Mike Albanese, and Larry Kirk (residents of Eaton Avenue and Union Boulevard) spoke about a garbage pile at 1953 Eaton Avenue that has been accumulating for six months. They expressed frustration with the city's code enforcement process, stating that citations were slow to be issued, a magistrate hearing had not been scheduled, and they felt ignored by the code officer. They described health and safety risks from vermin and blowing trash.
• Mark Ozaneck (resident of Reddington Road) complained about nighttime shooting at the Steel City Gun Club, reporting that on April 30 and May 1, gunfire continued past 10:00 PM, disturbing children and residents. He urged the council to restrict police training to end by 9:00 PM.
• Dan Skinner (Delwood Street) requested speed deterrent devices on his street near Elmwood Park due to increased speeding, noting many children in the area.
• Isabel thanked the council for updates on a spray tech issue and asked for guidance on organizing community cleanups at Sand Island.
• Terry Coyber (Grandview Boulevard) presented a petition signed by 46 of 61 households requesting a traffic study for speed humps and flashing stop signs at Glendale and Florence Avenues, citing frequent stop sign violations and pedestrian risks.
• Mary Jo McCool (Grandview Boulevard) echoed speeding concerns on Grandview, Broad Street, and Hanover Avenue, criticizing the administration for perceived apathy and urging immediate action before a fatality occurs.
• Bill Shire (Eaton Avenue) read quotes from Ronald Reagan in support of immigration, then later commented on the 327 South New Street demolition, arguing that council prioritizes developers over historic preservation.
• Stephen Antalix (Richard Street) criticized the council for allowing variances that he said damage the character of single-family neighborhoods, citing the commercialization of South Side.

Discussion Items

• 1953 Eaton Avenue Garbage Issue – Mayor Reynolds and Ms. Collins (Recycling Bureau) explained that a single trash enforcement officer handles 650–700 complaints annually. The property owner was first warned, then cited in March 2026, but the magistrate had not yet scheduled a hearing. A second $500 citation was issued on May 5 after a cleanup promise was broken. Council members discussed potential solutions including health department involvement, condemnation, liens, and a possible single-hauler system. The mayor noted that legal limits on fines and collections (as low as 14–19% of fines collected) hinder enforcement. The property is a rental with owner-tenant family ties.
• 723 Broadway Affordable Housing – Council member Callahan asked why a city-renovated home completed in late 2024 was still not for sale. The mayor confirmed that Community Action Lehigh Valley is responsible for final repairs, and there have been staffing turnovers in their housing division. An update will be provided to council.
• Steel City Gun Club and Police Training – Police Officer Adel explained that the department has an agreement for daytime and some nighttime qualifications. Night training is rare but sometimes necessary. He said the April 30 incident may have been a two-day qualification class. There is no formal community notification for after-hours training, but dispatch is alerted. Council expressed concern about noise and disruptions.
• Traffic Safety – Council discussed the Citizens Traffic Advisory Committee, which meets the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 AM. Mayor Reynolds noted that a Complete Streets Plan will address physical infrastructure to slow traffic.
• 327 South New Street Demolition – This item was removed from a group of certificates of appropriateness due to controversy. The HCC had recommended full demolition including an historic Italianate facade at 321-323 South New Street, replacing a 2021 COA that required preserving that facade. Council members debated the delay since 2021, structural integrity claims, and economic hardship arguments. The HCC unanimously approved the new COA. Council voted 4–3 to approve.

Key Outcomes

• Meeting Rescheduled – The second council meeting in May was moved from Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (primary election day) to Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. (Vote 7–0)
• Appointments – Lynn Olinov appointed to the Redevelopment Authority (vote 7–0); Christopher Kern appointed to the Bethlehem Revitalization and Improvement Authority (vote 7–0).
• Use Permit Agreements – Approved for Mom Market 2026 (May 17, Aug 23, Oct 25), Sangria Fest (May 16), Live on the Greenway (May 24, 31, June 7, 14), and Live in the Garden Concert Series (Saturdays May 9–June 27). All passed 7–0 on a group motion.
• Public Records Disposal – Authorized disposal of records from Water & Sewer Resources (vote 7–0).
• Certificates of Appropriateness – Three standard COAs passed 7–0 (15 E 4th St signage, 25 W 3rd St signs, 306 S New St ventilation louvers).
• 327 South New Street COA – Approved demolition of all four structures and removal of required facade preservation, allowing a new seven-story mixed-use building. Vote: 4–3 (Raymond, Callahan, Cologne, Quitek in favor; Daniels, Laird, Leon opposed).