Chair Janine Santoro provided updates from city hall and community partners at the Mayor’s South Side Task Force hybrid meeting held in the NCC Fowler Center on a fairly sweltering June 30.

Santoro related that the City of Bethlehem hosted an Opening Doors Community Housing Update meeting at Northampton Community College to share how the City and its partners are working to create and support housing that is affordable to everyone. A recording of the June 24 meeting can be accessed on the city’s website.

Community participation is still requested in the online survey regarding an Activation Plan for reimagining the South Bethlehem Greenway.

It was mentioned that Bethlehem continues to seek community engagement with the Complete Streets Plan. There will also be a 40 in 10: Every Park in 10 Years block party from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. July 15 at Madison Park where residents can view the concept plan for upgrades and renovations slated for this park and provide feedback.

The public is invited to “visit” with Bethlehem’s six sister cities from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the July 21 Sister City Experience and Forum hosted at the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s Main Location. Bethlehem has

established relationships with: Tondabayashi, Japan; Murska Sobota, Slovenia; Corfu, Greece; Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany; Foiano di Val Fortore, Italy, and Patillas, Puerto Rico.

According to Santoro, there are two flag raising events scheduled at Payrow Plaza this summer. The Disability Pride Flag Raising is July 24 at 11 a.m. and the Ukrainian Flag Raising is Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m.

There are still openings on Bethlehem authorities, boards and commissions as well as open positions at City Hall. Recruitment efforts continue with the Bethlehem Police Department.

Attending in person, Glorilex Vasquez from the office of State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D) promoted the upcoming Community and Senior Fair hosted at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. July 23.

Nayeli Hance from the BAPL Southside branch announced they are doing some renovations in the children’s area at 400 Webster St. and are looking for feedback from parents and their kids as to what they would like to see happen with it. She mentioned that free lunches for those 18 and under are available at the Southside Branch on Mondays - Thursdays from noon - 1 p.m. through July 30 while supplies last.

Hance also passed out copies of the library’s July calendar of events.

Bethlehem Community Police Officer William Rodriguez spoke about the department will be participating in the National Night Out on Aug. 4 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Jeff Zettlemoyer from Housing Opportunities asked if anyone knew of any vacant lots that could be utilized for affordable housing and if the Bethlehem Area School District has any undeveloped land available for that purpose.

Among those attending remotely, Bethlehem Sustainability Manager Sarah Degrendel spoke about the Switch Together Bethlehem Solar Program, announcing another free online introduction to it from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6. She explained the nonprofit vets contractors and assists building owners with basic information, personal recommendations and regional group savings without an obligation to purchase anything.

Donna Taggart brought up that a new mural by artist Hector Castro is being planned for the entrance to the Walnut Street Garage.

BASD Family Development Specialist Jacqueline Montti joined online to discuss the district’s Design Survey. It was mentioned that Dr. Renato M. Lajara officially begins his tenure as Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District as of July 1.

Santoro wrapped things up with “events and opportunities” hosted by Community Action Development Bethlehem:

• CADB’s Southside Bethlehem Neighborhood Meeting will be held 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. July 8 at Cathedral Church of the Nativity.

• The Skateplaza Cleanup is happening 10 a.m. - noon July 11.

• CADB’s Yosko Festival & Movie Night runs from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. July 14.

She added that South Side Art District’s Restaurant Week will be July 20 - 26.

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