Bethlehem to Seek $1 Million State Grant for Work on West Broad Street, $750,000 for Emergency Shelter; Council to Vote on Higher Fees for Construction Permits, Food Inspections

Nov. 17, 2025

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Bethlehem City Council will vote Tuesday on seeking a $1 million grant for work on West Broad Street.

The city has discussed improvements for the street including ramps, safety features for pedestrians that may include “refuge islands” to reduce the crossing distance of the street, and bike lanes.

In January, City Council approved a $977,318 contract with Traffic Planning and Design of Bethlehem.

“The consultant will provide preliminary engineering design, final design, permitting, and
limited construction oversight services during construction for the Broad Street Corridor
Improvements Project from Pennsylvania Ave to Elm St.,” according to council’s agenda for the Jan. 21 meeting.

The $1 million is requested from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

Council will also vote on a bid for $750,000, also from the state for the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter. That money would “be used for capital improvements to the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter to expand capacity” as the shelter moves toward year-round operations.

Approval of resolutions seeking grants for projects Council supports are usually routine items.

Council will also vote on proposals from the administration of Mayor J. William Reynolds to increase fees for construction permits and fees for the inspections of restaurants and other businesses that sell food.

The agenda is light, with a lot of 2026 budget items being seen on their first reading but not for final action.

Bethlehem City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in Town Hall, the building on Church Street between City Hall and the Bethlehem Area Public Library.

Here is a link to agenda items and a webcast of the meeting.

Below is a cut-and-paste version. Agendas are subject to change. Check the city website Tuesday.

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 – 7:00 PM
TOWN HALL – 10 EAST CHURCH STREET – BETHLEHEM, PA

Pledge to the Flag

1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes – November 5, 2025
3. Public Comment 3 A. On subjects not being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit
   3 B. On Ordinances and Resolutions being voted on this evening – 5 Minute Time Limit
4. Old Business 4 A. Old Business – Members of Council
   4 B. Tabled Items
   4 C. Unfinished Business
5. New Business
6. Communications 6 A. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – PA Dept of Community and Economic Dev. (PA DCED) Statewide Local Share Account Grant – West Broad Street Construction
   6 B. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – PA Dept of Community and Economic Dev. Statewide Local Share Account Grant – Bethlehem Emergency Shelter
   6 C. Business Administrator – Capital Plan Funding 2026-2029 – Budget Adjustment Ordinance – General Fund
7. Reports 7 A. President of Council 7 B. Mayor
8. Ordinances for Final Passage
   8 A. Bill No. 45-2025 – Ordinance to Amend Article 1702 – Construction Fees and Staffing
   8 B. Bill No. 46-2025 – Ordinance to Amend Article 1113 – Food Code Regulation

(over)

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Page 2
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 – 7:00 P.M.

10. 
    New Ordinances
    9 A. Bill No. 47-2025 Adopt 2026 General Fund Budget
    9 B. Bill No. 48-2025 Adopt 2026 Water Fund Budget
    9 C. Bill No. 49-2025 Adopt 2026 Sewer Fund Budget
    9 D. Bill No. 50-2025 Adopt 2026 Golf Course Enterprise Fund Budget
    9 E. Bill No. 51-2025 Adopt 2026 Liquid Fuels Fund Budget
    9 F. Bill No. 52-2025 Adopt 2026 Capital Budget for Non-Utilities
    9 G. Bill No. 53-2025 Adopt 2026 Capital Budget for Water Utilities
    9 H. Bill No. 54-2025 Adopt 2026 Capital Budget for Sewer Utilities
    9 I. Bill No. 55-2025 Adopt 2026 Community Development Block Grant Budget
    9 J. Bill No. 56-2025 Adopt 2026 Stormwater Fund Budget
    9 K. Bill No. 57-2025 Adopt 2026 Fix 2026 Tax Rate for All City Purposes
    9 L. Bill No. 58-2025 Capital Plan Funding 2026-2029 – Budget Adjustment Ordinance – General Fund
    9 M. Bill No. 59-2025 Amending Article 112 – Campaign Finance Repeal Ordinance
    Resolutions
    10 A. Approve Resolution – PA Dept of Community and Economic Development Statewide Local Share Account Grant – West Broad Street Construction
    10 B. Approve Resolution – PA Dept of Community and Economic Development Statewide Local Share Account Grant – Bethlehem Emergency Shelter
11. Adjournment