Aug. 10, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Two signs planned for Bethlehem’s historic Moravian site will be up for approval before a review board this week.
The decision looks like an easy one for the Historical Architectural Review Board. The signs aren’t real big (see above) and certainly suit Main Street. At 24 inches by 30 inches, they won’t detract from the historic setting but might help tourists visiting the Colonial Industrial Quarter that is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The location is what got me: Main Street and Ohio Road.
What in heck is Ohio Road?
I’ve been downtown thousands of times and couldn’t recall Ohio Road. Perhaps I should be more attentive.
Ohio Road is the pathway that starts near the Hotel Bethlehem and winds down into the Moravian site before crossing Monocacy Creek.
Old lore contends it was named for the Ohio River region, where some Moravian missionaries ventured. There was no State of Ohio at the time. I welcome anyone more informed than I am to weigh in.
I’ve walked up and down Ohio Road many times, sometimes carrying an adult beverage. I will now appreciate it a bit more and ponder the travails of early 19th century travelers. Next stop, the Ohio River Valley. Lots of bugs, wild animals, bad weather and meager if any lodgings along the way.
One sign will go up in the green space next to Central Moravian Church (the grass hills as my toddler used to call that area) and the other at the walkway that I now know as Ohio Street, where the walkway starts down past the hotel and the blacksmith shop.
Solar power will light the LED signs.
“The design concept recalls a Moravian iron hinge with its decorative, scroll-like appearance,” according to the request submitted to the city and from the city.
The review board, known affectionately, sometimes less so, as HARB will meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Town Hall.
See this link for the agenda and below is a cut-and-paste version:
AGENDA
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
Town Hall
10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem PA
The Meeting will be livestreamed for viewing purposes only on:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4HYHr4C6mVbfhRXhWYXaJw
Applications can be viewed at:
https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/calendar-planning-zoning, or in Bethlehem City Hall.
- Main Street and Ohio Road (World Heritage Site)
The Applicant proposes to install two (24” x 30”) signs set in aluminum frames supported by a center aluminum post, both powder coated black and mounted at an obtuse angle. The panels will be lit by solar-powered LED fixtures mounted at the top of the frames. The design concept recalls a Moravian iron hinge with its decorative scroll-like appearance.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Bethlehem Area Moravians and City of Bethlehem/City of Bethlehem - 427 North New Street (Kemerer Museum of Fine Arts)
The Applicant proposes to replace the slate roof on the southeast corner with GAF Slateline asphalt shingles in “Antique Slate” gray to match existing shingles.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Historic Bethlehem/Barry Pell - 108-110 Wesley Street
The Applicant proposes to replace the entry door with a period style exterior door from the existing house; with new painted wood frame, 12” sidelights, and a transom window above. OWNER/APPLICANT: Bruce Lawrance/George Russo - 518 Main Street
The Applicant proposes to replace the windows on the second and third floors of the building. All windows will be white aluminum and double-hung.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Jennifer Burns
All applicants must appear or be represented at the hearing.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 