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South Side business owners and residents press city on sidewalks, trees and local tax use
Summary
Multiple public commenters told council that broken sidewalks, dead street trees and downtown maintenance are harming businesses and neighborhoods; councilmembers and staff discussed grants, cost‑sharing and city responsibilities.
Business owners and residents from Bethlehem’s South Side urged council to address long‑running sidewalk and tree maintenance problems and asked whether city revenues could be used to help downtown merchants, speakers said during public comment and a later council discussion.
Why it matters: Property owners in Bethlehem are legally responsible for sidewalk and street‑tree upkeep. Several entrepreneurs at the meeting said the cost of repairs and inconsistent maintenance are hurting foot traffic and business during an important tourism season.
What speakers said Anthony Spagnola, who identified himself as an owner of several downtown businesses, said…
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