April 19, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
If a bar were going to open near my home, I’d like to know about it.
Bethlehem City Council is working on that. Living near a bar is convenient for some, but hearing a blast of noise each time the door opens is irritating.
Council may increase the public notice required in advance of a business getting a liquor license.
Council will consider Tuesday a resolution to make sure residents know when a license may be transferred into their neighborhood. It will also review a $35,000 bid for the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show.
From the meeting agenda: businesses seeking a license transfer will pay $500 and certify that all property owners within 500 feet have been notified by mail at least 10 days in advance of Council’s consideration of the transfer.
Note, it says property owners. Renters, residential or commercial, would find out about the mailed notification if building owners relayed it to them.
However, the resolution would also require three signs posted in “conspicuous locations” on the property seeking the liquor license.
Council holds hearings on liquor-license transfers, giving residents and property owners the chance to comment.
Here is a link to the proposal.
Council will also review the $35,000 bid from American Fireworks Co. of Hudson, Ohio, to put on the Fourth of July fireworks show. The company has been around for more than 100 years, according to its website.
Bethlehem City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in Town Hall, 10 E Church St.
Town Hall is the building between City Hall and the Bethlehem Area Public Library.
Here is a link to the agenda, including to the web broadcast, and below is a cut-and-paste version. See the link, and remember, agendas are subject to change. Check the city website closer to the meeting.
BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 – 7:00 PM
TOWN HALL – 10 EAST CHURCH STREET – BETHLEHEM, PA
Pledge to the Flag
- Roll Call
- Approval of Minutes – April 7, 2026
- 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 - Old Business 4 A. Old Business – Members of Council
4 B. Tabled Items
4 C. Unfinished Business - New Business
- Communications 6 A. City Clerk – Liquor License Transfer – Requirements – Revised Resolution
6 B. Director of Public Works – 2026 25 Fourth of July Fireworks – American Fireworks Company
6 C. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – 2026 26 Penn Forest Debris Basin Engineering – Memo –
Van Cleef Engineering Associates
6 D. City Solicitor – Authorizing Deed – 8 Mechanic Street
6 E. City Solicitor – ArtsQuest – 2026 Levitt Pavilion Concert Series
6 F. Grants Administrator, Community and Economic Development – Memo – Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources C2P2 2026
6 G. Director of Planning and Zoning – 2025 24 Complete Streets Bike Infrastructure – Amendment 1-
CF041526 – Kittelson & Associates
6 H. Director of Water and Sewer Resources – Memo – Records Destruction - Reports A. President of Council B. Mayor C. Committee Chair – Colleen Laird, Parks and Recreation Committee
- Ordinances for Final Passage
8 A. Bill 18-2026 – Budget Adjustments – Liquid Fuels Fund Budget - New Ordinances None.
- Resolutions 10 A. Approve Resolution – Liquor License Transfer – Requirements – Revised Resolution
B. Approve Resolution – 2026 25 Fourth of July Fireworks – American Fireworks Company
C. Approve Resolution – 2026 26 Penn Forest Debris Basin Engineering – Van Cleef Engineering
Associates
D. Approve Resolution – Authorizing Deed – 8 Mechanic Street
E. Approve Resolution – ArtsQuest – 2026 Levitt Pavilion Concert Series
F. Approve Resolution – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – C2P2 2026
G. Approve Resolution – 2025 24 Complete Streets Bike Infrastructure – Amendment 1 CF041526 –
Kittelson & Associates
H. Approve Resolution – Certificate of Appropriateness – HARB – 449 Linden Street - Adjournment
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 