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| Bethlehem's Town Hall |
As explained by Public Works Director Michael Alkhal, the City is seeking a $250,000 grant for a $500,000 sidewalk repair and streetscaping project along Main Street, between Market and Walnut Streets.
Council member Michael Recchiuti was concerned about the merchants along Main Street who will contribute $125,000 for these repairs. He asked, "Are they on board with this?" Alkhal answered that he will meet with them, but noted that the cost to them is now half what it as when this project was initially proposed last year. Alkhal added that the project would take 75 days to complete, and will start as soon in the spring as possible because merchants would prefer to see the work done early. He promised "minimal disruption" and said work would be limited to one property at a time.
Planning Director Darlene Heller said the $200,000 grant for the City's South Side will be spent mostly on sidewalk repairs along Fourth Street. She told Council that other sources of revenue include $100,000 from a previous grant, $200,000 from the Bethlehem Steel TIF project and $50,000 from Lehigh University.
The only controversial matter, the approval of a new Director of Recycling, has been postponed until July 1, with the administration's agreement.
Two citizens also addressed City Council.
Thomas Carroll, a former City Council and County Judge candidate, informed Council that several members of the public will participate in a reading of the declaration of independence at Payrow Plaza on July 4. The readers will include Judge Emil Giordano, Mayor Bob Donchez and Police Chief Mark DiLuzio.
Steve Antalics complimented the Mayor for using his own car, even though he is on cal 24/7, and told Council that he is "setting a very good example" that needs to be followed by other city workers. He noted that one City employee drives a city-owned vehicle back and forth to Bucks County daily, wasting thousands of dollars in public money. he said only two people, the Police and Fire Chief, should be permitted to drive city-owned vehicles home.
"We should start counting pennies," he reasoned.
wonder when they are going to get a real HR director?
ReplyDeleteWhen will council really make a budgetary impact and do something about the abuse of city vehicles?
Sidewalks are not the problem with main street Bethlehem, it is the lousy parking situation and the meter times. It is just more convenient to go shopping somewhere else than main street.
ReplyDeleteAnd just because something will cost 1/2 of what it was supposed to be, does not mean all of those merchants will be jumping for joy. Take a look at how many went out of business last year on that stretch and tell me that they are doing just fine to pay for these improvements
Nashua, New Hampshire, is a lesson learned in a" Mainstreet Project". I'do not pretend to know anything about this subject.But admire Bethlehem's history and charm. Nashua has turned around as the result of their leadership using their heads.The sidewalks were nearly all replaced using bricks from torn down industrial redevelopment ,recycled and fitted dry.They have bad winters there don't forget,makes for lower cost frost adjustment in the spring. They can take up a section to do utility work at lower costs and time, and it's aesthetically gorgeous.Nearly every storefront was occupied in and around the- the centre core of town.
ReplyDelete"It is just more convenient to go shopping somewhere else than main street."
ReplyDeleteThat will not change with meter times. It is inconvenient bc people LIKE it there. Main Street Bethlehem is perhaps the most attractive spot in the LV. If you think the shops there struggle, try visiting nazareth's Main Street.
Discretionary income spending habits are different as well as the profiles of of what is purchased in Bethlehem,Pa. than at a Walmart, Bethlehem ,Pa. Look around, what do you see? Class?Yes. Great pubs, dining lots of nice folks.Porsches, MB's, new Cts's Jag's you name it. The "inconvenience" can be a litmus test against not having to deal with social dredges, and incompetent wait staff in a restaurant, or buying a gem.I hate malls and parking there, and most chain stores myself --but have no discretionary income left over,but I can look. Easton is much better too, weekends place is full to the brim ,clean- no normal people ever get molested -both venues doing great job .OLD PETER
ReplyDeleteits those stinkin parking garages. The malls don't have them and Bethlehem does. People want to park on the street not in a mugging palace.
ReplyDeleteI understand your thought, but has anyone been mugged in Easton or Bethlehem in their parking garage? Except for the Sands Casino, I am not aware of any problems ,please site one if I'm wrong.I almost have carried heavy artillery for 35 years and don't gamble . If you look anyplace for trouble you can find it surly ,but I don't want any like you Anon 3;12 beleive me. We move freely and can get out of trouble ,but please post a problem with the parking garages if you know of one in Easton or Bethlehem.Both Police Departments are very competent.
ReplyDeleteI understand your thought, but has anyone been mugged in Easton or Bethlehem in their parking garage? Except for the Sands Casino, I am not aware of any problems ,please site one if I'm wrong.I almost have carried heavy artillery for 35 years and don't gamble . If you look anyplace for trouble you can find it surly ,but I don't want any like you Anon 3;12 beleive me. We move freely and can get out of trouble ,but please post a problem with the parking garages if you know of one in Easton or Bethlehem.Both Police Departments are very competent.
ReplyDeleteWhat the Hell are you talking about Peter. Time to get your memory checked out. You don't know what you are talking about. Stay out of discussions you know nothing about.
ReplyDelete