Although three inches of April showers made it impossible for Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez to walk the streets, he still held his first town hall April 30 at the Northampton Community College on the city's Southside. Both the mayor and his entire cabinet listened to about 15 Southsiders voice concerns over garbage, parking, snow removal, Lehigh students and Sands Casino vagrants. They also gave the city high marks for the greenway between Third and Fourth streets, which many use to commute, exercise, shop and go to school.

Garbage zones

Resident Jo Zavecz complained about garbage sitting in front of his home for days at a time, in violation of local ordinances. Chief Housing Inspector Mike Palos said many Lehigh students do that when they leave campus in May. "It's amazing the stuff they leave behind." But Environmental Health Manager Jessica Lucas cautioned that, "for many Southside residents, there's no other place to go."

Donchez announced he's working on a plan to deal with this problem with three or four different garbage zones for the city's estimated 22 private haulers. Garbage would be allowed outside on garbage day only. He hopes to have it finished by year's end, after reviewing it with private haulers and Council members.

Snow Removal

Craig Evans noted that many citizens were slow to remove cars from snow emergency routes. Donchez agreed, but noted this winter was the first time in many years that any snow emergencies had been declared at all. He indicated that the signage has faded in some areas and needs to be fixed. "For the most part, people were very cooperative. Unfortunately, we did tow some cars." Public Works Director Michael Alkhal said that about two dozen cars were towed during each of the city's two snow emergencies. Police Chief Mark DiLuzio also noted that they did issue a few dozen citations for snow covered sidewalks.

Parking

Resident Ann Evans complained about meters on Packer Avenue, where there is no commercial traffic, which result in people parking in front of her home. While promising to look into these new meters, Donchez announced there is a "strong possibility" that two parking garages are coming to the Southside. One would be located next to Northampton Community College, with another planned nearer the Fahy Bridge.

Casino vagrants

With a disturbing undertone of bias, some residents expressed worries about the mostly Chinese bus riders who use the greenway daily. One woman asked for a bigger police presence there, though it is already patrolled by mounted officers. Southside activist Roger Hudak asked police to make sure the skate park is locked at night, to guard against what he called the "Asian invasion."

Transparency

In addition to regular town halls, Donchez reminded everyone he has open office hours every second Monday. He also provided his office (610-865-7100) and home (610-868-4680) telephone numbers."We need your involvement," he said. "You are our eyes and ears."