The Mayor’s South Side Task Force again gathered in person Oct. 26 at the South Bethlehem Starbucks on East Third Street.

Task Force Chairman Roger Hudak expressed enthusiasm for the Goodman Building project at 30-32 E. Third St. As a member of the Bethlehem HCC, which oversees “historical appropriateness” within the Southside Historic District, Hudak said it is going to be spectacular.

Another project he brought up was the proposed demolition and replacement of a non-conforming structure that had lost all of its historical character at 128 E. Third St. It was once a Pep Boys, said Hudak.

The chairman also mentioned that Lehigh University does pay taxes on some if its properties.

With the increased development within the neighborhood, Hudak re-emphasized the importance of the city’s Polk Street parking garage being completed as soon as possible.

Executive Assistant to the Mayor Stephanie Augello reassured him that the Polk Street garage construction is to begin “at the end of this year.” She announced the city is looking to start the streetscaping on New Street in the spring from Third to Farrington Square.

The Wind Creek adventure center “is moving along on schedule.” Augello continued, “The Wilber Mansion project up on the hill also is moving along on schedule, with completion in 2022.” The Boyd Theater will be torn down soon to make way for storefronts and apartments.

The Ideal Food Basket is still renovating the former Ahart’s and hopes to open in early 2022, reported Augello.

The Bethlehem Health Bureau has scheduled a series of COVID-19 booster shot clinics. To register go to www.bethlehem-pa.gov.

Augello expressed excitement when she showed off the logo designed for The Bethlehem Parade of the Century celebrating 100 years of the popular event.

Janine Santoro from the Bethlehem Area Public Library South Side Branch reported a decrease in traffic brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We just want folks to know that we’re here,” she said.

The branch offers hybrid and Zoom programming, including a “Woodland Life Skills: Exploring Indigenous Relationships to Nature.” Presented by the Museum of Indian Culture, the Zoom workshop is scheduled for Nov. 16 from 6-7 p.m. To register for this or other offerings, Santoro referred to the library’s website: www.bapl.org.

In-person services are also available, such as Homework Helpers, Fall Preschool Storytime, and mini book sales.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month.