A hearing focused on the creation of a Southside LERTA District II at the July 5 city council meeting.

The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance zone is Pennsylvania’s economic development incentive program. Planning Director Darlene Heller explained of how plans are submitted and examined (from zoning regulations to traffic regulations) for each parcel of land. The hope is for this proposed LERTA to revitalize the remainder of the Bethlehem Steel properties. However, it was clear during the hearing that members of council still have questions pertaining to how this LERTA could benefit the 242 acres under consideration.

One of the main issues of concern is the one-time payment of $26,350 per unit application fee if a project does not support affordable housing. After a brief discussion about delaying the vote on the proposed ordinance, which includes Mayor William Reynolds raising concerns about the longer there is a delay in this file, the greater potential in lost revenue for both the city and school district. Reynolds also pointed out that the amount in question, $26,350, is what the realities that the market will allow. There was a unanimous decision to delay the ordinance vote until July 19.

Council ended the evening by passing a number of resolutions, including special parking for Musikfest 2022, moving an ordinance to first reading on July 19 about keeping chickens in one’s backyard in a residential area, as well as a contract for $77,400 to Grace Industries for the Minsi Trail Siphon South Access Improvements Project.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 19 in city hall.