Chairperson Janine Santoro announced a $500,000 Choice Neighborhood Grant has been recently given to the city and Bethlehem Housing Authority at the Mayor’s South Side Task Force hybrid meeting Sept. 26 held in the NCC Fowler Center.

Santoro said, “This two-year planning grant will allow Bethlehem to develop a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plan to update the Pembroke Village public housing development. Choice Neighborhood projects replace public and HUD-assisted housing with high-quality, mixed-income housing.”

Community Recovery Fund Awardee announcements will be held at Northeast MS, Oct. 23 at 11:30 a.m., according to Santoro. She also said Community Development meetings to address affordable housing and homelessness continue into October.

A Bethlehem Climate Action Plan livestream event is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. and the city is still looking to fill open positions. Those interested can access information online on the city’s website.

The 2023 Health Equity Summit happens Nov. 2 from 8-10:30 a.m. at Lehigh University’s Iacocca Hall. The summit will focus on workforce development opportunities and equity for the Latino workforce.

Southside Community Cleanups continue Nov. 4 at Enix Park, 701 Pawnee St.

Ismael Arcelay from Northampton Community College described how NCC has opened up a satellite admissions office in the East Third Street campus. He explained this is a way for the college to reach out to the community to facilitate additional admissions. He said Perkins Grants are available to students interested in one of 20 listed careers.

Glorilex Vasquez from State Rep. Steve Samuelson’s (D) office said the state rent and property tax rebate program applications for 2022 deadline has been extended and Samuelson’s office continues assisting seniors and the disabled with applying for the rebates. The office can help seniors apply for free SEPTA Key Senior Fare Cards or Reduced Fare Cards for people under age 65 with disabilities.

She announced Samuelson’s office can help with Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, PA MEDI and reduced vehicle registration applications.

Bethlehem Southside Community Police Officers William Rodriguez and Sean Landis spoke about “National Faith & Blue Weekend” and “Coffee with a Cop Day” events in early October.

Among those attending online were Katelyn Mack, Katy Wirth and Christine Wieder from the Bethlehem Area Public Library Southside Branch.

Mack from LINC (Learning Inclusion Networking Community) promoted an upcoming virtual Diversity Equity & Inclusion Roundtable for Nov. 3.

Representing the Southside Arts District, Wirth announced the 27th annual ChiliFest returns Oct. 21 from noon–4 p.m.

Christine Wieder from the Bethlehem Area Public Library Southside Branch listed several upcoming events, including Spooky Tree Painting on Oct. 16 and Pumpkin Painting Oct. 25 for adults.

Free dinners are still being served on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. at the Southside Branch. The meals are available for adults 18 and over while supplies last.

Santoro mentioned a ribbon cutting for the Fountain Hill Food Pantry took place Sept. 14.

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