A ceremonial ground breaking Aug. 17 by the Bethlehem Parking Authority signaled the anticipated fourth-quarter start of construction for the long-awaited Polk Street parking deck. Parking Authority and elected officials extolled the benefits that many feel the new garage will bring to the East Third Street area.

“I think it’s important for the development and growth of this corridor,” said Steve Fernstrom, executive director of the authority. Fernstrom said the cost of the 731-space deck is estimated to be $22 million, which is being funded by a $30 million bond.

“I think it’s important to note that the borrowing will also pay off $6 million that is currently guaranteed by the city taxpayers,” Fernstrom added.

Mayor Robert Donchez said it was “a very important day for Bethlehem.” Donchez noted that $2.5 million in Pennsylvania RCAP funding was being used to fund the project and he recognized state senators Lisa Boscola and Patrick Browne, and Representative Steve Samuelson, as he thanked them for helping to procure the state funding.

The pedestrian bridge from the garage into Northampton Community College’s Fowler Center is being funded by $500,000 from the RCAP allocation. NCC has committed to 300 signed leases in the new garage along with several other local existing and future entities.

Both Boscola and Samuelson touted the “future growth” and “future success” that parking, and in particular the Polk Street parking deck, will provide on the Southside of Bethlehem.

The seven level garage is being sustainably designed and will be certified as a ParkSmart parking deck. It is expected to be completed in January 2023.