Chair Janine Santoro announced a $1.45 million state grant for an 11-unit emergency shelter on 232 – 234 W. Packer Ave. has been secured for the property owned by the Lehigh Conferences of Churches at the Mayor’s South Side Task Force June 24 hybrid meeting held in the NCC Fowler Center.

The Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority is also receiving $800,000 to rehabilitate blighted property at 401 – 403 and 405 E. Fourth St. to convert into affordable apartments.

Santoro spoke about the “Gateway on Fourth” project being anticipated to begin in fall 2026. The 120-unit apartment complex featuring affordable housing is in the works for a triangular site at the end of E. Fourth Street. More news on it will be available at an Opening Doors Housing meeting sometime in September.

Completion of the city’s Southside Greenway project is projected to be in spring 2026. This will link the Greenway with the Saucon Rail Trail.

Among updates from the Mayor’s Office Santoro shared was “Reflecting on Progress, Advancing Accessibility: A Panel on Disability Rights in Bethlehem” at the Bethlehem Area Public Library (Main) is scheduled for July 26 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

A public Zoom meeting is scheduled July 24 at 6:30 p.m. on the recent 40 in 10: Every Park in 10 Years survey.

She reminded everyone there are still openings on Bethlehem authorities, boards and commissions as well as open positions at City Hall. Bethlehem Police Recruitment continues.

“There’s always something going on, said Katy Knibbs from South Side Arts District as she shared copies of “Lehigh Valley Magazine” and listed upcoming events.

Summer Restaurant Week is happening July 21 – 27 and features exclusive specials and discounts at participating SouthSide eateries, along with an opportunity to win a Restaurant Week gift card.

ArtsQuest is holding a Mural Unveiling with artist Carla Majczan at 331 Broadway on July 16 at 4 p.m.

The recent ICE raid at Five-10 Flats was discussed. Bethlehem Community Police Officers Sean Landis and William Rodriguez mentioned that the department was not notified in advance about the federal roundup of 17 undocumented construction workers mitigating the fire damage at the site.

They were joined by Lehigh University Police Officer C.R. Stokes in enthusiastically describing a recent negotiation and team-building exercise hosted at Lehigh.

Attending remotely, Aliya (Lya) Ali from YWCA Bethlehem highlighted upcoming summer programming including a robotics and drone workshop.

Also online were CADCB board member Donna Taggart, Adrienne McNeil from Lehigh University and marketing agency owner Victoria Fields.

Taggart mentioned that a Sister City event is planned for Sept. 21 to celebrate the anniversary of Bethlehem’s relationship with Patillas, Puerto Rico.

McNeil reported on ongoing planning for first year activities happening in the fall semester. Lehigh University’s economic impact report is coming out soon.

Fields briefly spoke about her older daughter’s youth-centered work on hydroponics systems at Lehigh Valley schools, as well as future fundraising efforts.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month. Santoro said they are taking a summer break and will not meet in July.