Chairperson Janine Santoro and members of the Mayor’s South Side Task Force had much to discuss at their March 28 gathering. The hybrid meeting was held in the NCC Fowler Center.

Santoro related Fire Chief Warren Achey’s continued call for volunteers to help with installing 300 smoke detectors in around 100 Bethlehem homes on May 6. These will be distributed from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Schweder Fire Station (Company 1), 419 E. Fourth St.

She mentioned they are seeking assistance with alerting residents by posting lawn signs and distributing door hangers two weeks prior. This is part of an American Red Cross national program offering the safety devices for free.

Santoro followed up saying Bethlehem is also hiring firefighters. Information can be found on the city’s website: www.bethlehem-pa.gov.

Among her updates from the mayor’s office, Santoro announced Mayor William Reynolds and members of the Latino Council are looking to create a relationship with a sister city in Puerto Rico.

Transgender Day of Visibility was celebrated at the end of March at Payrow Plaza with a flag-raising event hosted by Corinne Goodwin from PA Trans Equity Project.

Santoro provided online links to an information session on the Community Recovery Fund at: https://webuild.bethlehem-pa.gov/en/ where a formal Community Recovery Fund application will be available through April 30.

Santoro reminded attendees Bethlehem’s State of the City address is scheduled for April 6, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Presented by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, it takes place at ArtsQuest.

She also introduced community fellow Kevin McNulty and intern Lya Ali, both working in the mayor’s office.

Samantha Mravlag from CADB remarked on South Side Community Visioning meetings focused on Environmental Justice will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on April 11 at South Side Lofts, April 25 at Broughal Middle School, and May 9 at Cathedral Church of the Nativity.

Mravlag also mentioned Lehigh University’s annual Spring Clean-Up on the Southside is scheduled for April 15 from 9 a.m. – noon. Volunteers are to meet at 8:45 a.m. at Farrington Square.

Katy Wirth, Southside Arts District, announced Spring on the Southside April 22from 1-4 p.m. along the Greenway between Adams and Polk streets. Focused on “food, yoga, art and plants,” it is presented by SouthSide Arts District and St. Luke’s University Health Network.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D) reported that Gov. Shapiro’s recently-released budget proposal provides a 7.8 percent increase for basic and special education funding. The Bethlehem Area School District would see an increase of 11.5 percent.

Samuelson said he was able to secure a $1M state grant for the “Steel General Office Building.” Along with help from State Senator Lisa Boscola, grants for the north side will help with traffic and pedestrian safety.

With the shift of power in the state legislature, Samuelson is now the Majority Chair of the Finance Committee. In that capacity, he will be seeking an increase in eligibility and dollars for the state rent and property tax rebate program.

Jeff Zettlemoyer from Housing Opportunities described a federal grant program that provides funding to bring buildings up to code and accommodate disabled residents. Other grant and loan programs were mentioned.

He and Roger Hudak noted new houses were under construction near their neighborhood.

Eric Fontanez from the Bethlehem Area School District mentioned Dr. Joseph Roy’s retirement and said kindergarten registration has begun.

Adrienne McNeil from Lehigh University spoke about the annual Spring Fling held at Broughal Middle School.

Heudia Health CEO Ed Connors said he was studying community violence prevention funding opportunities and would share what he learns with the Bethlehem Police Dept.

Attending remotely, Emma Scheinmann from the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) promoted S.T.E.A.M. into Spring Break, a youth series for April 2023. Activities include guided tours, steam engine demonstration and metal melting and shaping workshop. Information: nmih.org/spring2023

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month.