Oct. 13, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
The Bethlehem Co-Op Boondoggle has squandered millions of public dollars, delayed its opening several times and become something of a joke.
Its membership includes many earnest do-gooders, the Happy Boondogglers eager to take other people’s money, and a few members who want their money back.
Can you believe that? After 15 years and multiple failed promises and relentless requests for more money, there are people with doubts? Say it ain’t so!
Now the Boondoggle plans to open Dec. 15, more than 15 years after it was founded and five years after it announced a federal grant of $2.9 million. Counting $100,000 from the State of Pennsylvania and more than $100,000 from the City of Bethlehem (redirected federal funds), the public largesse exceeds $3 million.
The Powell House Press has been taking a hard look at the Boondoggle (which refers to itself as the Bethlehem Co-Op Market) and today published a review of public documents that raises more questions.
Mainly, what in heck is going on at 250 E. Broad St.?
Here’s a link to Powell House Press’s sixth story on “The Little Co-Op That Couldn’t.”
Boondoggle On!
