The Bethlehem City Council heard resident complaints about parking Oct. 15, before turning to property issues.

One resident said meters close to her home were limited to two hours, while those at a distance allow for longer durations She said having to walk several blocks with groceries is a challenge and an inconvenience. Add a motivated meter attendant and you could be looking at parking tickets or a parking boot. Council President Michael Colon suggested that residents attend the Parking Authority meetings, held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Councilwoman Kiera Wilhem represents council in those meetings, and she offered contact information to interested residents.

Serfass Development & Acquisitions made another request for the property at 119 Technology Drive. They want the lot rezoned from Industrial Redevelopment to Central Business. This is the same request that failed less than 18 months ago.

A public hearing will be scheduled in November. Central Business includes residential construction. Serfass’ last request included at six-story building with 240 apartments/units

Lastly, council authorized a $4.3 million contract with Norfolk Southern Railway Company to acquire approximately 11.8 acres that would complete the Greenway. Colon acknowledged, “Being able to acquire the last nine-tenths to complete the Greenway from the Fahy Bridge to Quakertown is really going to be something,” Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated $500,000 to connect the South Bethlehem Greenway to the Saucon Rail Trail and create 14 miles of contiguous trail in the Lehigh Valley. Councilman Bryan Callahan noted, “This project has been the work of several administrations and decades of work to bring it to fruition.”

Due to the election, the next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 6.