The Mayor’s South Side Task Force met online May 25 due to continued COVID-19 concerns.

Accompanied by Task Force Chairman Roger Hudak, Stephanie Augello hosted the virtual meeting from the mayor’s office.

Augello anticipated groundbreaking for the new Polk Street garage is to occur in early July 2021. She also said three city pools will be opening to the public in mid-June, including the newly-rebuilt Memorial Pool.

She and Hudak discussed two high rise development proposals recently rejected by the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission. One was for the Posh Properties along West Third Street and another was proposed for a nearby stretch of South New Street.

Hudak, who serves on the Bethlehem HCC, said although he favors development of the properties, and considers both buildings beautiful and appealing, they were both way too tall for his liking, based on the guidelines the commission works under. He opined the council and mayor should be the ones making decisions on building heights.

He welcomed the news that construction on the new parking garage will be happening soon. Hudak often expresses worry about parking issues on the Southside.

Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs for BASD Vivian Robledo-Shorey spoke about the shifting of building principals within the district, including Principal Rick Amato, who leaves Broughal MS to run Governor Wolf ES.

Janine Santoro from the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s Southside branch said although the facilities are open, masks are still required. She announced a new tool and seed library was launched the previous day, funded by a Southside Vision grant. Patrons can borrow hand tools, seeds and gardening books to help them with their summer planting. There will be workshops, as well.

Susan Vitez from the Steelworkers’ Archives reported the “Steelwalker” tours are back and doing well. They are scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday through December. Former steelworkers lead sidewalk and Hoover-Mason Trestle tours around the old Bethlehem Steel plant site. She mentioned their storefront is open by appointment Sundays, from 2-4 p.m. at the Outlets at Wind Creek. For information, call 610-861-0600.

Adrienne McNeil from Lehigh University spoke of the recent commencement exercises and May 18 groundbreaking for the College of Business expansion.

Lehigh University Police Department Captain Rich McGarr described success with ongoing patrols around the off-campus student housing areas near the university to keep parties under control. Funded by a state liquor control grant, the program is in its final year.

Southside Community Police Officer William Rodriguez phoned in that he has replaced Officer David Horvath ,who recently retired.

The Reverend Suzanne Trump of St. John’s Windish Lutheran Church mentioned Sunday in-person worship service has resumed.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month. Hudak expressed hope the next one will be in person.