Mayor’s South Side Task Force Chairman Roger Hudak reminded members that the Spring Southside Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants are to meet at Farrington Square rain or shine. Breakfast will be provided at 9:30 a.m. The annual event is sponsored by South Side Task Force and Lehigh’s Community Affairs office, among others. Adrienne Washington from Lehigh University confirmed this at the Feb. 27 meeting.

Washington announced work is starting on the university’s new residence hall on Brodhead Avenue. The project is scheduled to be completed by June or July 2019, according to Washington. She said the trustees have approved plans for the new health, science and technology building to be constructed on the Whitaker parking lot starting next year.

Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs for BASD Vivian Robledo-Shorey reported, “The recent mass shooting in Florida has everybody on edge.” She said, “We are reviewing our protocols for, not only intruders, but for all other safety concerns.” Robledo-Shorey mentioned the district has been addressing this issue ever since Columbine. “Really, just to know your kids and build relationships is a better defense than putting guns in more people’s hands,” she opined.

The administration is also conducting a review of high school student services, including needs assessment for social services, according to Robledo-Shorey.

Estefania Perdomo from Community Action Development Corp. of Bethlehem (CADCB) described some of the programs her agency is involved in. “Start Your Business” sessions are available on business basics at no cost, with marketing, finance and sales available for $25. CADCB is also becoming a resource for tenants who may have been taken advantage of by landlords. She provided copies of books on legal rights for tenants. “Landlords can’t keep you from having an emotional support animal or charge you a pet fee,” is one of the rights she cited. Perdomo said they are also providing information seminars for first-time homebuyers.

Perdomo also spoke about an upcoming First Friday “Southside Proud” campaign scheduled for April 6. The CADCB is sponsoring it in partnership with the Southside Arts District.

Rep. Steve Samuelson’s legislative assistant, Glorilex Vasquez, explained their office is currently assisting constituents with state rent rebate forms. Golden Age Passes for free admission to BASD events are available through Samuelson’s office for seniors age 65 or older. Vasquez said they can provide reduced vehicle registration for people earning less than $19,200 per year as well. She pointed out the last day to register to vote in the 2018 Pennsylvania primaries is April 16.

Vasquez and Perdomo mentioned both offices have been dealing with homeowners and tenants who have been scammed by third party utilities salespeople into paying higher rates for gas and electrical service.

Jennifer Pizarro from KidsPeace said her organization continues to recruit for bilingual foster parents. KidsPeace is also hiring for a variety of positions at their facilities.

The Bethlehem Area Public Library Southside Branch is gearing up for its Spring 2018 Southside Book Sale ,announced Janine Santoro. The dates for the biannual fundraising event are April 10, 11, 12 and 14. The branch continues to offer programs such as storytime events, toddler play dates and homework help. They are also working on promoting the branch in Spanish to incoming Puerto Ricans and other Hispanics, according to Santoro.

Deputy director, Department of Community & Economic Development Amy Burkhart announced free business seminars on digital marketing are being offered through her office for local businesspeople who possess a Bethlehem Business Privilege License.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force meets regularly on the last Tuesday of the month at Northampton Community College’s E. Third Street campus.