City council Sept. 20 decided to defer a decision on a proposed multi-dwelling complex of 40 apartments on West Broad Street because it would negatively affect the city’s bid for recognition by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Councilwoman Dr. Paige Van Wirt, who not only met with officials involved with the UNESCO bid, but also with members of the Historic and Architectural Review Board, spoke passionately about her belief that the project should go ahead.

Van Wirt reminded everyone how the integrity of HARB is based on carefully examining sites and ensuring the city’s heritage sites are protected, and how this is a perfect example of how imperative it is that the right people should also be appointed to boards such as this one.

Councilwoman Kiera Wilhelm reaffirmed that “nobody wants to jeopardize our UNESCO heritage status.”

However, for Councilwoman Dr. Wandalyn Enix, this was not a gamble she wished to pursue, stating, “I’m not a gambling person.”

Enix was not the only one on council to voice concerns about the approval of the project and its potential impact on a UNESCO designation.

Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith, who chaired the meeting, said she felt “it would be good to have a heritage impact assessment.” She noted that many had addressed their concerns to her about the preservation of Bethlehem’s historical sites.

The Certificate of Appropriateness passed by a narrow margin of 4-3.

In other business, Councilwoman Rachel Leon was appointed to the Bethlehem Area Public Library Board, with a term ending in January 2025.

Mayor William Reynolds by an Administrative Order appointed J. Marc Rittle to the Bethlehem Housing Authority for a term ending January 2027. The BHA is currently undergoing changes with the announcement last month of Executive Director Jay Shuster’s retirement, scheduled for early December.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18.