April 6, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Bethlehem City Council has a light agenda for Tuesday’s meetings, including an “accessibility audit.”
That means a $3,900 contract for the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) to “complete a site survey of the public spaces including: the Police Department, public spaces in the Health Bureau, Water/Sewer, Permits, Recreation, public conference rooms, Town Hall, the library, and all bathrooms in the City Hall and library buildings. LVCIL will complete a report with recommendations based on the site survey.”
The LVCIL is a non-profit group based in Allentown that says on its website that it “provides services and support to people with all types of disabilities.”
The administration of Mayor J. William Reynolds is requesting council’s approval of the contract.
City Council may have an easy night, although I’m sure somebody will want to talk about fascism or genocide, serious issues unrelated to the work of council. The idea of raising such serious concerns in Bethlehem’s Town Hall appears to me to make light of such things. People are suffering around the world, for real, while we get to attend a meeting a few feet from the library and a couple blocks from historic Main Street.
Protesters or those who just want to express their feelings can find more appropriate venues, but Town Hall is convenient.
Here is the agenda for tomorrow. It includes a citation for Thomas Brauchle of the water and sewer department, along with some routine items.
There is also a permit requiring approval for The Wicked Botanist and ArtsQuest to hold the 2026 Lehigh Valley Spring Wicked Plant Festival on April 26.
The Wicked Botanist is a Bethlehem business that sells plants and accessories, based on its website. I’ve walked by it a few times, it’s a 267 E. Broad St.
Here are the details on the festival from the website of the Wicked Botanist:
Lehigh Valley Wicked Plant Fest
One of our most popular events! It’s FREE to come and FREE to park, a great day full of plants, swaps, artisans and entertainment!
Join us April 26th, 2026 from 10am-3pm at Steel Stacks 101 Founders Way Bethlehem PA 18015
There will also be an event in the fall.
Bethlehem City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, in Town Hall on Church Street. The meeting will also be broadcast via the Internet. This link provides more background on items to be reviewed and on the meeting.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 