Norfolk Southern has given the City of Bethlehem notice that it intends to clear encampments on its private rail property, and city officials spent the council meeting describing months of outreach and contingency planning while residents and advocates called for more time and alternatives. Councilwoman Mary Leon said Norfolk Southern "picked December" for the action, and multiple speakers at the meeting warned that clearing the site during the cold season could put people at risk.

Why it matters: the land Norfolk Southern seeks to clear is private railroad property. City staff and local nonprofits have been coordinating shelter and services for months, but advocates told council that some people living outdoors will not use congregate shelter and need other options.

Public advocates and service providers said they want Norfolk Southern to delay the eviction and to coordinate with local shelter operators. Mark Riddle, executive director of New Bethany Inc., said outreach groups already "know quite a bit about the population that we serve" and praised local cooperation, but he did not identify a city-led alternative the railroad must accept. Brian Hillard, an officer with SERVE (Serving to Aid and Restore), told council, "People need spaces to live," and urged the city to balance track safety with sheltering needs.

Several unhoused residents and advocates told council the county and region should share responsibility. Resident Destiny said many people living near the tracks work and attend school and gave examples of why some cannot accept shelter immediately. Resident Terry Schew, who identified himself as one of the people living under the tracks, said, "If you don't care, well then you don't care, but I'm gonna tell you... you have to live that in your conscience. What if you were homeless? Not by choice." Public commenter Valerie Noonan noted the eviction is scheduled for Dec. 15 and questioned whether that timing reflects Norfolk Southern's interests rather than the community's needs.

City response and capacity: Council and administration described the city's Community Connections program, health bureau and police outreach work as ongoing. Leon told council the city and its partners have been gathering individual data — whether someone will accept Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering (BES), whether they have Medicaid, and whether they want permanent housing — to shape individualized plans. When asked about BES capacity, administration stated the shelter can hold about 70 people; officials also noted other shelters and programs exist in the region. Leon said the city has urged Norfolk Southern to "push it off as long as possible to allow for the services" to work toward housing outcomes.

Next steps: city staff said they will intensify meetings this week with service providers to identify gaps and possible short-term resources, including applying for emergency short-term shelter grants and exploring other funding options. Officials said Norfolk Southern has previously offered some assistance in other jurisdictions but that details for Bethlehem were still being discussed.

What council asked for: council members repeatedly asked administration to keep them informed and to pursue regional coordination, saying the long-term solution requires contributions from other municipalities and county-level resources. Mayor Reynolds and council members also urged residents and stakeholders to contact county officials and regional partners to seek broader engagement.

Ending: city leaders and advocates agreed the situation is urgent but complicated by private-property law and limited regional funding; Norfolk Southern's timeline and the decisions of individual unhoused residents will shape outcomes over the coming months.