[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6195622,"mediaKeyId","3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002","parentId",3859251,"title","City to award $3.38 million contract to replace 800 feet of water main on East Garrison Street","audioSeconds",1421,"startMs",3790000,"endMs",5211000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002&start=3790&end=5211","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002/thumbnail_3790000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6195622/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/City-to-award-338-million-contract-to-replace-800-feet-of-water-main-on-East-Garrison-Street","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195622-a4669e6a443b97c36895dd66dbd64777/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151037&Signature=RXaELm~fymtuMVm~6udYZnQqvOCdAVbS3o5ZqFMxKZIutm38Lm2klRTOTVRXNRtQ7C2LBVTay9XnoUIwQqcdblUk6xjLjNWaKCvk7QN5d5PlpF3uAU9LfalOZ~5dJ2~uxoGNRmYfVVBNXRqWxtkCQMCpQf5j83QqUBNf6zNOB5WyAdeVd6CQ8OyUwTUHl28y2mbFL6qVs90jgM~PYdx26~6jfyD818lIYx~LaNdL4HRt2aR2g3HCwl9vhY6Qftxgr0tu8dc2HXQRFLQbN42zeWJ7VlHOBJbY-x7KGDO~X3PMykldRv4N3pOJ~LIUJo2YMa-JXdrSnSATjyQSa0gT3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bethlehem, PA","date","2025-06-18T01:29:19Z","article","City Council on June 17 authorized an agreement with J.O. & Bradley Construction Company Inc. of Bethlehem to replace 800 feet of water main on East Garrison Street between High and Linden Streets. The contract amount listed in the director of water and sewer resources’ memorandum is $3,377,185, and the work is to be completed within 180 days of the notice to proceed.

The June 5 memorandum recommended J.O. & Bradley as the lowest responsible bidder from six submissions. The resolution (10a) authorizes the mayor and controller to execute the construction agreement. During discussion Councilwoman asked about coordination with ongoing Friendship Park work and the narrow street; the water director said the intent was to coordinate construction timing so park and water construction occur concurrently to limit repeated disruption. Council approved the resolution by roll call; the vote passed 6–0.

The city indicated the contract award follows the usual low‑bid and responsible‑bidder determination process and that the project will be scheduled to limit total construction impacts to neighborhood residents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 06172025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and controller to execute a contract with J.O. & Bradley Construction Co. to replace 800 feet of water main on East Garrison Street for $3,377,185, with work to be completed within 180 days of notice to proceed.","taxTitle","Bethlehem, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania","taxId",9659,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6195630,"Neighbors raise safety, tree and runoff concerns as 312 Hanover Street zoning appeal heads to hearing",306,3434000,3740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002&start=3434&end=3740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002/thumbnail_3434000.jpg","/articles/6195630/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Neighbors-raise-safety-tree-and-runoff-concerns-as-312-Hanover-Street-zoning-appeal-heads-to-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195630-4b8cd1560f820f810c67a5f74972e610/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151037&Signature=JoT9~LfQns9piPz~44fEgI-wXuoR5c8RWx7~NaYfZ63ie6GZriaRwgiFJozQoRjmw9BViICej-ekw22bbZjb9RqqumfGVi9r716vHAkepUXJEZFj~JGIqSYyJQCEGXBrFaKWa8oFK6WKh-jR6ki9~ZkzvfgrfHoP4zuOW8sX3tNDN8XknSC3C~fEGloXo5hjkjfTj4AAI0Ux9juk6PJyfvpNMyl6yr5ihaDMgie21nvL215Xw2OxjanGmzBUdPDqU3xQYpc-5WGPGVpBL-X9xCfA8dqOUrYDnwWEclVyLRFSKRHbvz~6EWijewQBEV5UfzFt6QRPPk5JzKz9ZHjJyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Neighbors and council members discussed a proposed redevelopment of 312 Hanover Street and were told the project is scheduled for review by the Zoning Hearing Board next week after an interpretation dispute over whether the proposal qualifies as townhouse development.

Laura Collins, director of Community and Economic Development, told council the developer initially submitted a plan more than a year ago, withdrew it, and later filed a new sketch plan that underwent internal review by planning, zoning, fire and engineering staff. The city’s solicitor reviewed an initial zoning interpretation and determined the proposal should be treated as a townhouse development for zoning purposes. That determination triggered a staff letter identifying dimensional requirements the developer would need to meet; the developer is appealing that zoning officer letter and the appeal is set for the zoning hearing board.

Neighbors who have emailed council and staff raised several concerns, including that the alley (Roche Street) used for parking access is just 12 feet wide and may be too narrow for fire trucks if the project proceeds; they also cited the removal of trees that community members say are more than 80 years old and a jump in impervious cover from 14% to 63% in the sketch plan. Collins clarified that the specific zoning appeal before the board concerns tract‑size and dimensional requirements rather than the fire‑access standard; fire code compliance and other technical issues will be reviewed, if and when, the applicant files full land‑development plans.

Collins said the solicitor’s office will send Assistant City Solicitor Matt Deschler to the zoning hearing board to defend the city’s zoning interpretation. If the applicant prevails on the zoning interpretation, the project would next proceed to full land‑development review, at which point departments including fire and engineering will examine access, tree protection and stormwater requirements.

No action was taken by council; the item was a staff report describing the status of the application and the upcoming zoning hearing.","A proposed townhouse project at 312 Hanover Street will be argued before the Zoning Hearing Board next week after the city's zoning officer concluded the site does not meet townhouse tract‑size requirements. Neighbors cited narrow alley access for emergency vehicles, removal of mature trees and increased impervious surface.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6195635,"Council backs $30,000 People, Parks & Community grant application to beautify Sand Island Park",5664,328000,5992000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002&start=328&end=5992","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002/thumbnail_328000.jpg","/articles/6195635/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-backs-30000-People-Parks-Community-grant-application-to-beautify-Sand-Island-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195635-a26af60ad9dd50252b7b1569f0d911a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151037&Signature=C-ollUqf-kZvmYACWe9H48me1eyALe4I~Qly9RTo7FqQlN443rchD3yT-BS113lRxoYDKFX6cLx3kdRkaXmtU~LzpcKHxMSK5tOsZRhGsA~v3eO~wwAZ13M35KwZ5~nyTuPsVw~jx91zBS6tWIcyiDiX0IftrW~UZpm-qkayKyJX67wMSOItrDGRd5TyTUbiRRx3XajXc5Ke02TGdUSexU4dd-3WQHXj-OcrN5OxKbx62k0679Indz~44MW4wGbSrwZmY3Q~3lM4zhpLJTwKrPvLztPWddYE0zsi1i0zoPGzfAvf5Ky9kMfiAcJZ0GeZF8FpnPPC7hdO6G1qbE2QiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council authorized the mayor to apply for a People, Parks & Community Foundation grant for $30,000 on June 17 to fund beautification and related improvements at Sand Island Park. The resolution authorizing the application passed 6–0.

The grant request was described in a June 11 memorandum from the city’s grants administrator; the memorandum recommended support if awarded to fund Sand Island improvements. Councilmember Grama Smith and Councilmember Wilhelm sponsored the resolution. Council discussion emphasized local support for the park: resident Doug Royston — who said he has spent “a lot of time” at Sand Island — urged the council to consult a wide range of park users, including anglers, performers, historians and walkers, and to consider the park’s role as an increasingly important green space. “Not simply park people … to get the real picture of Sand Island, it would be wonderful if you took all those different people seriously,” Royston said.

Councilmembers also voiced support during the resolution discussion. One councilmember said Sand Island is often referred to locally as “Central Park” and that continued community input will be important as the city moves forward. The administration explained the grant application is one of several funding sources being pursued; if the grant is awarded, city staff will return with project details and implementation steps, including any environmental reviews and design work required.

The council’s vote to authorize the grant application was unanimous. No specific construction contract was approved at this meeting; the resolution only authorizes the mayor to execute application materials and, if awarded, to execute necessary grant documents. The city’s Community and Economic Development staff will coordinate public outreach and next steps.","Council voted to authorize a People, Parks & Community Foundation grant application for up to $30,000 to support beautification work at Sand Island Park; residents and commenters urged inclusive community input on longer‑term planning for the site.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6195640,"Bethlehem names Matthew J. Griffin fire chief; supporters cite compassion after resident's testimony",440,2590000,3030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002&start=2590&end=3030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002/thumbnail_2590000.jpg","/articles/6195640/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Bethlehem-names-Matthew-J-Griffin-fire-chief-supporters-cite-compassion-after-residents-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195640-7e8d6b51a7699ed86d001f268b413e13/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151037&Signature=TiULzB3enGQsP5O0vxtoLZzRRAMWHDdWXVnBwunnYCY00rFHH3P8sMOd44hzpXSpOZzuF92bj16xkSKmicv6hKRDUy6ugsCfkPdQT85lEOT8-Nx36OeMGTNf7tjWNQvhqvqH-sJvT4VZsioF1~pxnYadOATE~9crfxD7aaTe2ZYzO7C6eXcdPx0txSZA8uO1sAinv6GTFcgcuzZL8KNuYbOSJbLHGiEEoC8R7xoGZkoKt6l85jcC8NnAEanLqXgxIXk0pDpYDIxJKqHktq2x23kVFkgkRtzewbq32c5Ap2kTfmE7pvaD2nJxa9jQPe6PyMDjS10R07Ov2gcpws8y2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council unanimously appointed Matthew J. Griffin as Bethlehem’s next fire chief on June 17, effective July 4, 2025, following public testimony and a unanimous council vote.

Griffin, a 19‑year firefighter in Bethlehem who currently holds the rank of captain, outlined his credentials at the meeting: he is a state‑certified fire instructor, certified fire investigator and fire inspector, an adjunct faculty member in Northampton County Community College’s emergency services program in the past, and holds a B.S. in fire and arson investigation from the University of New Haven. “I look forward, and I wanna continue the positive working relationship with you, the members of council, the city administration, and local 735 so that together, we can all continue to better serve the residents and visitors of our great city,” Griffin said.

Several speakers and council members offered public praise. Kelly Burfield, a resident whose house burned in March and who described Griffin’s on‑scene leadership and compassion, told council, “His calm presence and quiet professionalism stood out immediately,” and urged support for his promotion. Mayor Reynolds and multiple council members thanked outgoing Chief Reich for his 20‑plus years of service and welcomed Griffin’s nomination as a continuation of department leadership.

The council took the administrative order to appoint Griffin and voted 6–0. The mayor read the appointment text aloud stating Griffin’s home address and that the appointment “is effective as of 07/04/2025.” The resolution was sponsored by Councilmembers Grama Smith and Wilhelm. No amendments or conditions were placed on the appointment during the vote.

Council members emphasized Griffin’s role in training recent recruit classes and in operational and emergency‑management work. Griffin noted recent academy classes and certification steps he had completed, including course requirements toward an emergency management coordinator certification required by the city.

Outgoing Chief Reich’s last day was announced as July 3; Griffin’s first day as chief is July 4, 2025. Council said it will formally recognize Chief Reich at the next council meeting. The appointment concluded the agenda item and the mayor and council urged support for the fire department during the transition.","City Council unanimously appointed Captain Matthew J. Griffin as fire chief effective July 4, 2025. Residents and council members praised his technical credentials and bedside manner; the appointment followed public testimony in support of Griffin from a resident who lost her home in March.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6195645,"Bethlehem officials condemn federal immigration raid, say limited local authority to intervene",7090,876000,7966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002&start=876&end=7966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3859251-3fc689a6651f39b0759e60e9be63b002/thumbnail_876000.jpg","/articles/6195645/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Bethlehem-officials-condemn-federal-immigration-raid-say-limited-local-authority-to-intervene","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6195645-f9cb9a4a43ed73621e7867bb3da4623e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151037&Signature=dRtuOlHKSL9gEFheGD1nPwds2ccrY3OZwGTSMvyhSaGbhH5D46wNQd6uSfJ916w2y5c0nZ~kNAoqhXHEhR~YfRvAnWib0adZUISKdMHXDZKSAb2OQNf1h8CWmkaon7fm4NsTEqqsM1H3Fx5aJIWaSpykgLR0Vvd0GIiLLeZuNk2551AGWDFQ01MRROlz4J6HrSFtlMMxi1fJQAi8Z-MaSV6C1bWb1RO-RifEj3vopxYlrv5U0bL0bypbzsjwxhBad23BKfMQ-zFN72Q63F5CYpUISXYpOL38HfuAdHzyj9BCSi~1e0xz9~pe3loEyi4j46lgfubnCrJ4drTsw4mwfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Reynolds and other city officials told Bethlehem City Council on June 17 that federal authorities conducted an enforcement action in South Bethlehem the previous week that resulted in 17 people being detained and that the city has received little concrete information from federal agencies about who was detained or why.

The mayor said he learned of the operation around 8 a.m. the day it occurred and that city police were not involved in detaining anyone. “We did not participate in any of the detaining,” he said, adding that the city received only a “courtesy phone call or a courtesy text” that federal authorities were present. He said follow-up requests for details from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE produced no answers. “We have gotten no information and no answers,” he said.

Council members pressed the administration and police on what happened, how the city could verify federal identities in the field and whether local policies or prior memorandums of understanding (MOUs) exist with federal immigration agencies. Acting Police Captain Lekman told council the incident included a medical emergency at the site — “it was a medical emergency” — and that Bethlehem EMS responded; he said police officers were not included in detaining operations. City solicitor (transcript: Mr. Spirk) explained that federal agencies are not required to notify local officials in advance and that there is no legal obligation for federal authorities to provide information afterward. On qualified immunity and civil‑rights litigation he summarized the legal doctrine: when a court‑recognized right is not “clearly established,” officers may invoke qualified immunity in civil suits.

Residents and advocates who spoke during public comment urged stronger local protections. “They're coming for the immigrants, and I'm speaking out,” said student Lily Flager, referencing the detentions and urging the city to codify protections. Others asked what practical steps the city could take; some suggested a public declaration reaffirming residents’ Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights and pledged community monitoring of enforcement actions.

Council members and the administration described the limits of municipal authority. The mayor said repeatedly that federal law gives DHS and ICE broad powers and “they don't need to share information with us,” while the solicitor added that the city “does not need to cooperate with them either unless there's a federal warrant.” Several council members and the mayor emphasized support for nonprofits and legal service providers as immediate relief channels and discussed the city’s Community Recovery Fund that helps local organizations providing legal and social services.

Council discussed but did not vote on any new legal protections or ordinances related to immigration enforcement at the June 17 meeting. Several members said the city has no active MOUs with DHS or ICE and that the department has an internal policy guiding when city officers verify the identity of outside agencies and encouraging residents to call police if they have concerns. The mayor said the police department would follow up on requests for information but reiterated the city’s limited ability to compel federal disclosure.

Residents at the meeting asked for clearer public guidance on where family members should call if someone is detained and for the city to publish contact avenues for federal field offices; Mayor Reynolds said city staff would assist people trying to locate detained loved ones and could provide contact numbers where available.

The meeting record and public comments show strong community concern and calls for action, but no formal change in city policy was adopted on June 17. Council did vote earlier in the meeting to move general public comment that was not on the agenda to the end of the meeting, a procedural motion that passed 5–1 and affected the order in which the ICE‑related public comments were heard.","City leaders recounted limited information after a June federal immigration enforcement action that detained 17 people at a South Bethlehem worksite, urged patience while seeking answers from DHS and ICE, and faced calls from residents for stronger local protections and clearer response protocols.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City to award $3.38 million contract to replace 800 feet of water main on East Garrison Street

Neighbors raise safety, tree and runoff concerns as 312 Hanover Street zoning appeal heads to hearing

Council backs $30,000 People, Parks & Community grant application to beautify Sand Island Park

Bethlehem names Matthew J. Griffin fire chief; supporters cite compassion after resident's testimony

Bethlehem officials condemn federal immigration raid, say limited local authority to intervene