[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6144331,"mediaKeyId","5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b","parentId",5534301,"title","Council grants certificates of appropriateness for six historic‑area exterior repairs and roof replacements","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4867000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b&start=4867&end=4867","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b/thumbnail_4867000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6144331/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-grants-certificates-of-appropriateness-for-six-historicarea-exterior-repairs-and-roof-replacements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144331-e8d1065c5886215a485c9d74b08b9b36/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184929&Signature=a3hGemNlwm7BMCA53G6zlk9AlRfxFOpUVbJauoNDMHVpezyT6ltoeUBz9mSezZAQovcHCr5HR-bj24GULDa7SM9~itbqggKKRTFXBt2-G3BSF0nXmaCJcMKhJ~WTlLhO6y9VFhqZNJXvOYLDpemrLqwQz82UlhWOsEoHN~BlLOFe-~jm-9F2J4gLmG3xnwahPO2wqR01S837I7Z445r1B7IvMzHls~HFXDARYowrX9V0HUByIJdyuJUNIfJ6ve9Iw6lFE3rxBMBEoyAmS9ZPReOluTc-NXzi7NnasL52b4Zazk3trjiOO-d8M94BEhJukcq~HHN4np3PfnQ4dddq1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bethlehem, PA","date","2025-08-06T03:55:43.307Z","article","City Council approved a grouped set of certificates of appropriateness for exterior work at historic properties, granting preservation permits for small‑scale repairs and roof replacements.
The grouped approvals (items 10c–10g) covered: replacing a partially collapsed rear brick masonry wall at 453 Main Street with matching red clay brick veneer; asphalt or slate‑line roof replacements at 418 North New Street and 23 East Church Street (antique slate color); replacement of wood balusters on the bell tower of Central Moravian Church at 400 Main Street; and rebuilding entrance steps at 412 Heckwelder Place. The certificates were approved by council 7–0.
Why it matters: Certificates of appropriateness control exterior changes in the city’s historic districts to ensure repairs and alterations are compatible with historic character.
Staff reported the applications and council voted to grant the COAs as recommended by the historic preservation review process. No extended debate was recorded; the items were grouped for efficiency and approved as a package.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","08052025 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved grouped certificates of appropriateness for exterior repairs, roof replacements and entrance work at six addresses in Bethlehem’s historic districts; items were granted 7–0 as a package.","taxTitle","Bethlehem, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania","taxId",9659,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6144336,"Council authorizes application for up to $1 million Main Street Matters grant for Gateway on Fourth project",2997,1853000,4850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b&start=1853&end=4850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b/thumbnail_1853000.jpg","/articles/6144336/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-authorizes-application-for-up-to-1-million-Main-Street-Matters-grant-for-Gateway-on-Fourth-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144336-554a842db579dd082bbe58fe8ba130c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184929&Signature=GavlPEcIgoieK86CIX1-ZkIsTs-2IISoT1fPf4h1auSAmlsUvYwkVi7ENo-jyy515eWZSDZuzHwKq~08kBdFXIJx63jwPKxf-nyhgEMNCjR7WtJmjVQBHluLhnaPc6T4wvf6uRVwKYUekY6EmUihz2slgIply0wh~EVXm6b~wYDsEMW03bgDIEL-jjpBdcESY~Z11ZnanGLOixcuAzimkAM26lr20VzdzTwCMo7ID11UUruTJhoehQ4OSkByRpfyWvoA5fjnPWMDn2Xyu8ePObaHYisqhQ5FVn1WDi3d-tYZmgYM39fCicUnX1EZFiJFuh9j-~ofMxI6T-pEuROtgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Bethlehem will seek state Main Street Matters funding of up to $1,000,000 to support the Gateway on Fourth project after City Council passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute grant applications and related documents.
Grants administrator Lori Giglio asked council for authorization to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; the resolution on the July 30 agenda instructs the mayor to execute necessary application forms and documents if awarded. Council approved the resolution 7–0.
Why it matters: Main Street Matters grants are competitive state awards that can support streetscape, façade, and gateway improvements in commercial districts. If awarded, the funds would be directed toward the Gateway on Fourth project, which the memo identifies as the intended use.
The resolution authorizes the mayor to apply and to sign documents related to the application and any necessary follow‑up agreements. No council discussion raised legal or matching‑fund conditions at the meeting; staff said further details would follow if the application advances.
What to watch next: City staff will proceed with the application; if the city is awarded funding, council may see subsequent resolutions or agreements specifying award terms, matching requirements or project scope details.
","Council authorized the mayor to apply for a Main Street Matters grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for up to $1,000,000 to fund the Gateway on Fourth project; resolution passed unanimously.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6144341,"Council OKs state reimbursement and budget amendment to buy X‑ray system and ballistic protection for bomb squad",2895,1881000,4776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b&start=1881&end=4776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b/thumbnail_1881000.jpg","/articles/6144341/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-OKs-state-reimbursement-and-budget-amendment-to-buy-Xray-system-and-ballistic-protection-for-bomb-squad","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144341-48794bcab19cb566e49477807c28c651/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184929&Signature=QmvsIYteEh2vcWIMv9J~dKGIoReEZljZkPAsrtVHVdQJPXy-XX8aRHHYqI6Wg~4l4JxDq4zx2-4EhK22NS~4hGCQlpu2SwebXpEKeSy3WhpvMP8j6NGeCH1EveZkihuk~rWYY~2Gu-xF~P3zeFTox4st6waI-DzIjnivAhi9Z0lxxRA2J7bGv4pUwiltQfMUfBL0U~6yKhRczFAHUqyvLlf4Z8vCA7Ltp7Du84V19tdCnhlmoZ5uPEnBveEGZS7u2cboa26geTciMHLJpbjUBMqKtaa035A7YRj-2xU7kRJ4RkzcHO5JybwvTXPR6-aof3eOuUGBjmOuP3nPEzS91w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council approved a budget amendment on July 30 to reflect state reimbursement for bomb squad services and to fund equipment purchases recommended by public safety staff.
According to a memorandum on the agenda, the state reimbursed the city $84,195 for bomb squad services related to fireworks. Public safety business manager Jennifer Hogan recommended using the funds to obtain an x‑ray system and ballistic vests and plates. The amendment adjusts revenue and expense lines in the general fund and increases the city’s general fund budget that night.
Why it matters: The funding pays for specialized equipment intended for explosive‑oriented public safety work; the purchase is paid from state reimbursement rather than drawing a new local appropriation.
The communications memorandum (07/11/2025) specified that revenue account 00130800 would increase from $313,300 to $397,495 and that the fire equipment expense account 070143099 would increase from under $43,000 to $227,195, moving the general fund budget from $112,983,162 to $113,067,357. The ordinance amending the general fund (Bill 40‑2025) was read on the agenda and approved by council 7–0.
No public debate on the purchase details was recorded beyond staff recommendation; council approved the ordinance at final passage.
What to watch next: Implementation will be through the public safety department’s procurement processes; staff indicated the items will be purchased using the reimbursed funds.
","Council approved a general fund adjustment after staff recommended using $84,195 in state reimbursement for fireworks‑related bomb squad services to purchase an x‑ray system and ballistic vests and plates; the change increased the general fund budget.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6144346,"Council approves major rewrite of subdivision and land‑development rules after multi‑year staff process",627,4172000,4799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b&start=4172&end=4799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b/thumbnail_4172000.jpg","/articles/6144346/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-major-rewrite-of-subdivision-and-landdevelopment-rules-after-multiyear-staff-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144346-62e557ca8813e461b53f01eed78b735f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184929&Signature=FkHdfjtlqndvVpyJ~84-e2FSuAGADjnxpJqXj12HWGpZxKFNPGVJU3~1rWW1yOx-co3ML6vqtZHBIz~pptPRWQI81ZMixkMFpigUn3pi6d6f3BmPitZwL4QK3Z2WA72TW3ZcvaPeVRRd6wAb1KlY09rf30nvWmbOePvfSsJPB~FLff9PNaezR1IfP9dKNB7n46z3OGGfAkHppGr4FB6c1AsWttChCcBhBu3YXNrL5f4MpvaCIWrrhvMUAfCE50pxkvIe~af1xQUjSdM~WN9A-dRw4cSKyr9YIqKtxUNHtFgPBkyc85gTdAZIJbSRGr92LSaiEQAda~7agc6YGuIogA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bethlehem City Council voted 7–0 on July 30 to repeal and replace Part 13 of the city’s codified ordinances governing subdivision and land development, a comprehensive update planning staff said had been years in the making.
The rewrite replaces rules last substantially updated in the 1970s, adds dozens of definitions, and reorganizes design standards, landscaping, and transportation requirements, City Planner and staff told council. The planning division presented the change as a modernization effort intended to make technical terms clearer for staff, applicants and the development community.
Why it matters: The ordinance governs how properties are subdivided and developed and includes technical standards for streets, sidewalks, trees, stormwater and design review. Changes to Part 13 will shape how future projects are reviewed and what applicants must submit.
Council members asked questions at the meeting about specific provisions. Councilwoman Laird asked how the proposal treats trees that could be affected by development and whether a forester’s objection could prevent tree removal; planning staff answered that the forester can recommend against removal but that the city’s authority varies by circumstance, with street‑tree requirements more directly enforceable than disputes about interior trees on private parcels. Council members also asked whether projects already in process could use the new rules; staff said the transitional language would apply to projects that had not been finally completed, and that pending appeals would generally not be able to retroactively adopt more favorable provisions unless the ordinance specifically allowed it.
Council members inquired about the new “fee‑in‑lieu” option for transportation, bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Planning staff said the provision allows an applicant to pay a fee instead of constructing certain off‑site improvements in some circumstances; staff said the fee mechanism is intended to fund improvements citywide when on‑site work is infeasible.
Staff recounted outreach and review steps: planning commission hearings and staff meetings beginning in 2021 and continuing through public review and a prior public hearing. The ordinance received a favorable recommendation from the planning commission and passed final passage at the council meeting.
What to watch next: The planning department will publish guidance and updated application checklists to reflect the new standards. Developers, neighborhood groups and the environmental advisory committee will likely review the implementing guidance as projects enter review.
","City Council voted unanimously to repeal and replace Part 13 of the codified ordinances governing subdivision and land development, a rewrite staff said updates a 50‑year‑old code, adds modern definitions and clarifies tree, landscaping and fee‑in‑lieu provisions.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6144350,"Bethlehem council confirms Richard Pongrath to planning commission after contentious debate over realtor ties",1975,2023000,3998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b&start=2023&end=3998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534301-dc2fd6c041bd206e2dd044842c56c65b/thumbnail_2023000.jpg","/articles/6144350/Bethlehem/Lehigh-and-Northampton-Counties/Pennsylvania/Bethlehem-council-confirms-Richard-Pongrath-to-planning-commission-after-contentious-debate-over-realtor-ties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144350-f88a466f2d9837305f2de8d62cc446a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184929&Signature=aFqn739YIjQawgs3YPDTuEPLARj~frOOc8mvQ8pOq6mkEMUC2UgEN5bPjNzPGqo6JoMDJWwbW4cp8bE0g0WB6JIMTDq6TJhYxfs-3j8n2H4m1RFO5Hwe5wFzsp0hSmMydnVWTZXp7lrvRGNqYaxYuUvE2RCntiVm5-MH-ei9OqisrcMv3Iafm9iA0eOAS-T~n1IVAaQg1lZ1IpyZWUbTjqKp873Z7~ypleyENYgXofihOSW3ORYk0CpyPdrYiFUgZPd0yaQw8q9qZHUS9m-obMGTzbOIXViWz9ZyBtgeo-d69IKqqhRXZGY1QukncQ6mq5pGAAmqU9QEQjXJU~bX8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Reynolds announced an administrative appointment of Richard Pongrath to the City of Bethlehem Planning Commission at the July 30 council meeting and the council confirmed the appointment after debate about conflicts of interest.
The issue drew more than 30 minutes of discussion as several council members questioned whether Pongrath’s work in real estate could create frequent conflicts and whether campaign donations to the mayor’s campaign from the Realtors Association warranted more vetting or a delay. Councilman Callahan moved to table the appointment; that motion failed. The council later approved the appointment 5–1 with one refusal/recusal recorded.
Why it matters: The planning commission reviews development proposals and makes recommendations that inform council decisions. Council members said they wanted to avoid even the appearance of bias, given rising development and concerns about affordable housing.
Council members aired competing views. Councilman Grant said he would not support the appointment because of “strong concerns about conflict dementia” and recalled past opposition from the Realtors Association to tightened rental licensing and inspection rules. Councilwoman Laird said she knew the nominee “a bit” and noted his community involvement and business ownership. Several council members, including Councilman Wells and others, said appointees are trusted to recuse themselves when a real conflict arises and stressed that the planning commission is primarily a recommending body rather than a decision-making body with authority to stop permitted projects.
Mayor Reynolds and staff said the planning commission’s statutory role is advisory and that boards often include members with industry experience. The mayor noted staff and the planning division had reviewed Pongrath’s resume, and that Planning Department staff and the mayor’s office recommended the appointment. Councilwoman Laird later reported a quick online check showed Pongrath was not an officer on the Realtors Association board.
The public and several council members also debated campaign finance connections: council discussion referenced a Realtors Association contribution that members described with differing amounts during the meeting; council members referred to campaign finance reports for precise figures.
Action taken: After a failed motion to table the nomination, council approved the mayoral appointment of Richard Pongrath to the planning commission by a 5–1 vote with one recusal; the appointment was recorded as an administrative order effective through May 23 (as announced by the mayor). The motion to table was called and voted on prior to the confirmation vote; the motion failed.
What to watch next: Council members said appointees are required to recuse themselves when a literal conflict exists; several members asked that concerns about conflicts be raised promptly to allow review before votes on projects that might involve an appointee’s landlord, clients or business associates.
","The City of Bethlehem confirmed Richard Pongrath to the planning commission after a divided council debate about potential conflicts of interest tied to his work in real estate; council voted 5–1 with one recusal following an unsuccessful motion to table the appointment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council grants certificates of appropriateness for six historic‑area exterior repairs and roof replacements

Council authorizes application for up to $1 million Main Street Matters grant for Gateway on Fourth project

Council OKs state reimbursement and budget amendment to buy X‑ray system and ballistic protection for bomb squad

Council approves major rewrite of subdivision and land‑development rules after multi‑year staff process

Bethlehem council confirms Richard Pongrath to planning commission after contentious debate over realtor ties