Dirtbikers and four-wheelers are racing through the park on the South Bethlehem Greenway Trail, complained resident Olivia Funghini at a recent city council meeting. She said they are endangering pedestrians and possibly disturbing a nesting pair of eagles in the area.

“Can the police help?” pleaded Funghini. She said the outlaw riders are racing up behind pedestrians, putting the walkers in danger.

Council President Adam Waldron suggested that Funghini take the opportunity to discuss the issue with Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio, who was in the room and met with Funghini and her accompanying friend, Thomas Spier, in the adjacent hallway.

According to the Rails to Trails website, “the South Bethlehem Greenway is a linear park that follows a former Norfolk Southern rail line through the southern neighborhoods of Bethlehem. The paved pathway begins just north of Lehigh University and travels about two miles east and south to end just outside of Saucon Park.”

In other business, the council gave preliminary approval to Mayor Robert Donchez’s plan to remove six art works from the city’s collection. According to the transfer document, “The pieces removed will be transferred to the Boutique at the Rink. Any proceeds from the sale of the pieces will be donated to the cancer community of the Lehigh Valley.”

Removal of the art is at the request of the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission, according to City Clerk Louise Kelchner.

Mayor Donchez presented his State of the City address to council, in which he touted recent milestones and accomplishments. He highlighted an agreement with the Bethlehem Area School District’s support of the Northside 2017 Neighborhood Plan to develop a plan aimed at improving health outcomes for students.

He also said the swimming pools are “fully staffed with lifeguards this year” because of “our ability to offer a low-cost lifeguard certification course for school district students.”

Bethlehem’s health care facilities are “second to none” according to Donchez; “Both St. Lukes’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network ranked in the top 10 hospitals in the Pennsylvania.”

Donchez highlighted Lehigh University’s $1 billion Path to Prominence campaign, “Southside Commons” which he said is under construction. It “will bring 428 students to edge of downtown.”

Donchez discussed several economic growth initiatives, including streetscape improvements for South New Street that has a goal of developing a corridor between Morton Street and the Fahy Bridge that will improve safety for bikers and pedestrians, calm traffic in the area and have new lighting and designs.

“On the Northside, I am optimistic that the Boyd [theater] and connected storefronts will be redeveloped. This is an exciting project for the downtown, and will enliven the Broad Street corridor.”

Donchez said, “Development as a whole in the city has been remarkable, but also highlights the changing landscape of Bethlehem and the retail market.”

He said about 30 new businesses have opened in Bethlehem in the past year. “We are happy to have them.”

He singled out the Moravian Bookstore transition to ownership by Moravian College as one of the businesses. “Thanks to the leadership of President [Byron L.] Grigsby, the bookshop retains its status as the oldest operating books store in the United States, and brings Moravian students into the downtown shopping district.” Donchez also mentioned the sale of the Westgate Mall and expected positive improvements. He mentioned the anticipated transfer of ownership of the Sands Casino to Wind Creek. He said the prospective owners have promised “an immediate investment of $190 million in the area.”

The council gave preliminary approval to the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation and its sub-permitee, Molly’s Irish Grille and Sports Pub, to use the Greenway between New Street and Adams Street for the Southside Arts and Music Festival planned for May 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.”

Council also gave Molly’s preliminary approval for the “Spring on the South Side” event slated for April 27.

Also getting permission to use public property was the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce through its Downtown Bethlehem Association to have its “Tunes at Twilight” program at Neven Place which is adjacent to the Sun Inn Courtyard. Planned dates are May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; June 6, 13 and 20, 27; July 11 and 18. Times will be from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.