The City of Bethlehem was designated two awards by the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Planning Association in their Great Places in Pennsylvania contest for the year 2019. Both the north and south sides of the city were recognized for having unique, memorable places that enhance life in the community and support a sustainable vision for tomorrow.

Main Street Bethlehem on the Northside was recognized for its historic character, variety of events, economic impact and ongoing effort to sustain and enhance the area, and was granted the Great Public Space award. The South Bethlehem Greenway on the Southside was granted the Great Transformation award, recognized for the incredible transformation from a blighted rail corridor into a community asset that promotes an array of opportunities for social interaction and inspires positive economic impact.

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association celebrates excellence in planning. The Great Places judges noted the engagement of partners and stakeholders, local and regional economic impact, and strengthening of community vitality stemming from planning efforts across the city and deemed Bethlehem worthy of not one, but two Great Place awards, one on each side of the Lehigh River.

Mayor Bob Donchez said, “Bethlehem is proud to have two successful downtown areas with their own unique characteristics and personalities. We are a thriving and healthy city on both the orth and south sides of the Lehigh River.”

For more information on the APA Great Places awards, please visit: https://planningpa.org/about/great-places-in-pennsylvania-2/

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