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Residents tell Bethlehem council UGI promised curb repairs after gas work, council asks for documentation
Summary
Homeowners from 10th Avenue told Bethlehem City Council that UGI’s gas excavation damaged curbs and sidewalks and that the utility promised repairs that never happened, and council staff said they have asked UGI for a written response and will help residents pursue claims if the company committed to fixes.
At the city council meeting on May 11, several 10th Avenue homeowners urged the council to hold UGI accountable for curb and pavement damage caused by repeated gas-line excavation.
"Residents did not create the situation on 10th Avenue," Jessica Unger told council. She said she and her husband bought their home in January 2022 after receiving a letter from the engineering department that the existing curbing was acceptable for a VA‑backed mortgage. Unger said UGI’s work beginning in December 2022, and again in late 2024, caused visible damage that was promised by the company and its subcontractor to be repaired when work finished — but the repairs never occurred.
Stephanie Zabo, speaking for multiple neighbors, said the city’s public‑works director’s emailed position that the curbing was deficient in 2019 conflicts with residents’ experience and documentation. "We are not asking for special treatment. We are demanding accountability, fairness, and consistent application of city code enforcement before allowing public works to unilaterally act against us," Zabo said.
Council members pressed staff about whether UGI’s agreements with the city cover curb repairs and how enforcement letters were issued. A staff member said the city’s cost‑sharing arrangements with UGI generally do not include private‑property curbs, though curb ramps may be covered. The official added that if UGI directly damaged curbing on specific properties it is supposed to make them whole and that the city has sent UGI a written request for information.
Councilman Callahan asked staff to temper enforcement communications to homeowners while the city investigates, saying he did not want residents to feel pressured by fines if the damage resulted from utility work. Staff responded that some enforcement letters are boilerplate but that they have reached out to UGI and will share resident communications with the city to help validate claims.
No formal vote or ordinance was taken. Council members requested follow‑up: staff said they would check the city’s correspondence with UGI, share any responses with council and residents, and help homeowners pursue the utility if written promises exist.
