City council was greeted in the new year Jan. 7 with familiar community concerns regarding high traffic areas and speeding, particularly at Broad Street and Eighth and Pennsylvania avenues. Residents complained that there’s little regard for speed limit signs and limited enforcement.

Residents living on Grandview Avenue near the former Bennett Property that borders Bethlehem and Allentown reminded the board that they are continuing their opposition to the proposed five-story building at that location, while others spoke of residents’ “responsible property ownership” for one’s grass, removal and collection of garbage and storage of unsightly items within public view. Discussion included whether a property owner or the renter bears this responsibility, and whether a warning is sufficient notice. Administrators said all citizen concerns will be investigated and addressed.

The board appointed six members to the library and environmental boards in volunteer positions. They are Ron Williams, Christie Jacobsen, Hillary Kwiatek to the Library Board and Benjamin Guthrie, Katie Trembler and Steven C. Olshevski to the Environmental Advisory Council. Cynthia E. Gutierrez Luna was appointed to the Board of Health.

Board President Michael Colon gave a brief but thorough review of Bethlehem 2024, citing one of the greatest achievements being the World Heritage Site designation, a project that dates to 2002. Bethlehem became the 26th World Heritage Site in the United States.

The Bethlehem site spans 10 acres near downtown north Bethlehem and includes nine structures, four ruins and God’s Acre cemetery. It is already designated as the Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District.

The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.