The Southside Arts District in South Bethlehem is developing a new five-year plan to help it become nationally accredited and designated as a Main Street Program with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The plan is focused on ways to improve streetscape, economic development, marketing and branding, and organizational sustainability.

To gain input for the plan, representatives of southside businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as Bethlehem City Council members, were invited to attend the arts district’s annual meeting in January at the Sands Casino Resort.

Southside Main Street Manager Missy Hartney told the 70 people in attendance, “Because the spotlight is on us and we need your help. With your help we will become a nationally recognized community; a role model for business districts across the country.”

The SouthSide Arts District is a Main Street Revitalization Program officially organized in 2015 in partnership with Lehigh University and the Bethlehem Economic Development Corp. It is part of Main Street America, a national organization dedicated to helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts.

As part of the planning effort, arts district committee chairs held roundtable discussions during the meeting to learn what attendees enjoyed seeing on the Southside last year and what they thought needed improvement. Everyone also was asked to sign up as volunteer for one of the district’s four committees: organization, design, economic vitality and promotions.

In presenting the arts district’s annual report, Hartney called 2018 “an incredible year.” She noted that 1,700 people attended last summer’s Spring on the Southside, and she praised the organization’s new website and the fresh look for First Fridays. Hartney also credited the work of business and non-profit leaders in South Bethlehem “who volunteer their time, energy and ideas to build a vibrant and sustainable downtown in the Southside.”

Other speakers included Warren and Derrick Clark, who own and operate Domaci, an eclectic furnishings, décor and gift store celebrating its first year of operation on Third Street in South Bethlehem. Warren Clark thanked the community for its support, but added that the South Side needs more retail businesses. “Retail is not dead,” he said. “It is continuing to grow. We are excited enough about what is happening here to open a new store in Lancaster.”

Design committee chair Stacie Brennan cited a number of her group’s achievements, including placement of 80 flower pots and arts district banners throughout the area, temporary murals to showcase artistry, increased Christmas decorations and a PEEPS sculpture competition.

Touchstone Theatre Managing Director Lisa Jordan, who chairs the organization committee, reported that the arts district “has built strong partnerships with organizations to grow its volunteer base.”