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

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.