The Southside II Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Program passed 7-0 in an early reading at the July 17 city council meeting.

With the existing LERTA scheduled to expire at year’s end, there was much discussion amongst council members, Mayor William Reynolds and city officials on the realistic timeline available to discuss and implement changes to the proposed program acceptable to everyone. As a reminder, this LERTA would be 85% smaller than the current one, primarily focused on developing the old Bethlehem Steel area.

Proposed amendments were raised at the meeting, including one from council member Hillary Kwiatek looking into penalties should an investor default.

Following concerns raised at the July 5 meeting pertaining to that what amount must be paid by developers if their project does not meet the affordable housing requirements, council member Grace Crampsie Smith presented an amendment to raise the payment from $26,320 to $52,320 – doubling the amount.

As is procedure, any amendments that wish to be discussed and voted on must first be presented to the clerk, who will then publish them for the public for 10 days.

Backyard Chickens Ordinance

A handful of residents spoke out in support of the Ordinance of Backyard Chickens during the Public Comments section of the meeting. Most pointed out to the chickens providing a source of food, notably eggs, for their family. A couple of individuals also raised the responsibility aspect, especially for younger members of family, to take care of the animals and the chicken coops and run.

Dr. Paige Van Wirt, sponsor of the ordinance, said more than once that this is a food security issue for some families. The ordinance states that no residents can have more than 6 hens or 10 Bantam chickens. She also raised the point of having this as a pilot project with 40 families.

Mayor Reynolds expressed concerns over the fact that unlike the LERTA, this ordinance had not been discussed in a committee. Citing the importance of transparency and that the public has been following the LERTA in the press, he questioned Van Wirt’s approach on her ordinance in ensuring Bethlehem residents understand clearly the different aspects of what she proposing.

Although Van Wirt’s amendment pertaining manure management passed, just like in the case of the LERTA, more amendments are expected to be table with the clerk’s office, with the publishing timeframe of 10 days.

Other Business

Citations honoring retired Sergeant Kevin Conrad and retired Officer Michael Manfredo were given honoring their years to the residents of Bethlehem.

Two Public Hearings took place. The first pertaining to three zoning amendments from Darlene Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning.

The second hearing dealt with the proposed Ordinance Amending the Article 1501 to adopt the 2018 version of the International Fire Code.

Both ordinances received approval by City Council, as well as all resolutions on the agenda.

The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 2 in city hall.