Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Speakers urge more trash pickup and 24‑hour restroom access near Minsee and Fahey bridges; Public Works says receptacles are emptied twice weekly
Summary
Multiple commenters described large encampments under Fahey and Minsee Trail bridges and asked for weekly trash collection, unlocked restrooms and more outreach. Public Works said park receptacles are typically emptied at least twice a week.
Several residents and community organizers urged Bethlehem City Council Monday to address sanitation and services for people living in encampments under the Fahey Bridge and the Minsee (Minsee/Mincy) Trail bridge.
Speakers described an encampment they estimated at “about 200 people” near the Mincy Trail Bridge and said that locked public restrooms, infrequent trash removal and lack of regular outreach worsen public-health risks and quality‑of‑life issues for both residents and trail users.
“Is there some way that can be done to increase the cleaning out of them, whether it be weekly or biweekly…as the residents that are down there do their best to try to clean up the trail,” said a speaker who identified himself as Sean, describing requests from people living along the trail.
Public commenter Valerie Noonan said an organizer at the encampment asked whether the city could provide weekly trash pickup and unlock public bathrooms for people who do not use winter shelters.
City staff and council members directed questions to Public Works Director Michael Alkal. Alkal said trash receptacles along parks and trails are “typically, at least twice a week” on current schedules. He acknowledged that the city’s work is ongoing and that additional coordination with parks, health and outreach partners could be needed.
Other speakers recommended targeted services rather than sweeps, including mobile outreach, trash pickup, and reopening the Sand Island restroom for 24‑hour public access or adding another facility near festival grounds. Cameron, a resident, suggested adding garbage service and a second restroom near the festival grounds and the music-fest areas.
Council members asked staff to follow up with department heads and nonprofit partners and said questions raised during public comment would be brought into new-business discussions and future committee work.
No formal council directive was adopted at the meeting; council members said they expect further staff reports on outreach, restroom access and service schedules.
