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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Riverbank homeless face moving deadline

City council President Michael Colon welcomed the Lehigh Little League 9-10 age group all-stars to the Sept. 16 meeting, recognizing their winning USA East regional championship, the highest title for their age group. For their accomplishment, council presented the team with a certificate signed by all members.

The the pronouncement that “winter is coming,” resident Peg Church opened concern for the homeless population living along the river and railway as the colder months approach. Norfolk Southern Railway has made it clear that people living in the encampment have until Dec. 17 to move.

Norfolk Southern, UGI and PennDOT are three known property owners along that stretch of land. They have the right to evict anyone living on their private property.

Councilwomen Hillary Kwiatek expressed her gratitude to residents speaking on behalf of the homeless population and their efforts to support the unsheltered. Police Chief Michelle Kott said, “Community Connections has been a godsend helping connect the homeless with resources and service providers, as well as holding care events.” Community Connections pairs police and social workers to connect citizens in need with services like mental health or housing support. Kott said officers “are not conducting sweeps or marching through the woods seeking out people – they are working with Norfolk Southern to keep the lines clear.”

Council members discussed the location of some bus stops and possibly relocating them to safer, more convenient locations. The Citizens Traffic Advisory Committee meets monthly and details can be found on the city’s web page. Resident Sean Kernan said citizens have no proper seats at bus stops, choosing to sit on a guard rail or be seated on the curb while waiting for buses. He specifically mentioned the bus stop at the corner of Second and New streets.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at city hall.

Press photos by Jenn RagoExecutive Director of New Bethany Marc Rittle spoke at the 9-2 city council meeting. Rittle expressed concerns for the homeless encampment and eviction by Norfolk Southern. Rittle expressed a need “to maintain open dialog and partnerships with the administration seeing a solution as a combination of efforts.”
Brian Hillyard, a member of STAR, (Serve, To Aid and Restore) located at UCC Church of Christ, 75E. Market St. providing life necessities and emergency shelter for people in the homeless community. Hillyard expressed concern that “space be given to people struggling to exist in a time of hardship, just looking to survive”