Please note Bethlehem Township's yard-waste recycle center will be closed Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Sunday (April 20) but will be open normal hours (10am-3pm) on Saturday, April 19.

Advisory: *Blasting Notice* Blasting operations starting at construction site at Easton Ave./Farmersville Rd. on 2/7/2025.

Rocky Rift Consulting, Inc. along with Holbert Explosives, Inc. and Papillon & Moyer Excavating will be conducting blasting operations as part of the proposed Medical Office Building project located at Easton Avenue and Farmersville Road in Bethlehem Township. The blasting is expected to commence on Friday, February 7, 2025, weather permitting.

The blasting operations will be conducted intermittently Monday through Friday during the daytime hours for several weeks. Residents may notice loud noises or vibrations, which are normal parts of these blasting events. Blasting will be seismically monitored to confirm the blast induced ground vibration levels are within regulatory limits. All blasting operations will be done in strict accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and safety regulations. Any questions, please contact Rocky Rift Consulting at 570-729-0405.

The next regular public meeting of the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, December 16, 2024, at the municipal building. At the meeting the board will consider adoption of the 2025 township budget.

The budget includes a proposal to increase the township’s fire tax from 0.15 mills to 0.45 mills. This would result in a tax increase of approximately $30 per year for the owners of a property valued at $200,000 (and assessed for tax purposes at $100,000).

Revenue from the fire tax is used for purchases of firetrucks for the township’s two volunteer fire companies, Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company (BTVFC) and Nancy Run Fire Company (NRFC). At its current millage of 0.15 mills, the fire tax would generate $143,000 in 2025 revenues, bringing the fund’s holdings to just under $700,000.

The two companies were scheduled to replace three firetrucks in the period of 2023-2028. This schedule was accelerated several times in the past two years because of the condition of current trucks and the extremely long delivery times (typically 1,000 days from purchase) for new trucks.

The first new truck (NRFC) was purchased in 2023 and the 50 percent down payment of $591,496 was charged to the fire tax fund. The second new truck (also NRFC) was purchased in early 2024 and the 50 percent down payment of $611,931 was charged to the general fund because the fire tax fund had insufficient resources. The third truck (BTVFC) is now scheduled for purchase in February 2025 with the approximate $600,000 down payment scheduled to come from the fire tax fund, which will then be left with just under $100,000 at the current tax rate of 0.15 mills.

Based on the 1,000-day delivery scheduled, the second payments (totaling approximately $1.8 million) on these trucks will be due in 2026-2028.

The proposed increase of the fire tax from 0.15 mills to 0.45 mills would increase 2025 revenues from approximately $143,000 to $429,000. The proposed increase would allow the above-mentioned firetruck purchases to be paid from the fire tax fund without use of cash reserves.

Due to emergency repairs needed to sewer lines in the upper lobby, the Bethlehem Township Community Center will be facing a temporary closure in the upcoming weeks, followed by limited access to areas of the facility while the repairs are being completed.

We understand the inconvenience this disruption will bring to BTCC members and guests, and we will be working diligently to fully re-open the facility as soon as we are able. Below is a schedule for the repair work and how it will impact your experience in our facility. All current memberships will be automatically extended for the full duration of the project, regardless of your visits during the times of limited access.

Full Closure with No Public Access:
Monday, December 9th – Thursday, December 12th

Limited Access to the Facility:
Friday, December 13th – Saturday, December 21st

Full Access Re-Open Target Date:
Sunday, December 22nd

**Please keep in mind that this is subject to change at any time** A modified aerobics schedule will be available for the week of December 16th-December 20th with all classes being held in the gym. A more detailed description of which areas of the facility you may visit and how they will be accessed will also be available to our members in the upcoming days.

As always, we appreciate your continued support of the Bethlehem Township Community Center and appreciate your patience as we navigate through these necessary repairs.

Sincerely,
Bethlehem Township Community Center
Please direct any questions to:
Jackie Bittel – 610-332-1514 or jbittel@bethlehemtwp.com
Zach Doll – 610-332-1528 or zdoll@bethlehemtwp.com

12/3/24 - Bethlehem Township's public works department this week will begin making one final pass around the entire township for collection of leaves. Property owners and residents are asked to please make sure all leaves are out at roadside. Please move all cars or other objects away from leaf piles as we cannot get close and risk damage. Also please remove branches and tarps, or the piles will be passed by. It may take two weeks to get through the entire township, based on weather and volume of leaves. Thank you very much for your help.

Bethlehem Township is seeking township residents interested in serving on municipal authorities, boards, and commissions. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to make the following appointments at its January 6, 2025, regular public meeting:

Planning Commission
Two four-year terms expiring December 31, 2028

Recreation Commission
One five-year term expiring December 31, 2029

Zoning Hearing Board
One five-year term expiring December 31, 2029

Vacancy Board
One one-year term, serves as chair

Bethlehem Area Public Library Advisory Board
One three-year term expiring on December 31, 2027

Civil Service Commission
One six-year term expiring December 31, 2030

Municipal Authority
One five-year term expiring January 2030

Environmental Advisory Council
Three three-year terms expiring January 2028

Please note: There are incumbents in many of these positions who will also be considered for reappointment by the Board of Commissioners. Most authorities, boards, and commissions meet monthly; some positions include a modest per-meeting stipend, some are unpaid. If you are interested in serving in any of these positions, please send an e-mail (specifying position(s) of interest), with resume attached, to the following address by December 20, 2024: dbruce@bethlehemtownship.org

Travel on Sculac Rd between Timothy Lane and Wilson Ave will be Closed. Due to Pump Station maintenance will begin at 8:00 AM and continue through until 4:00 PM. Travelers should expect some delays. Advise seeking alternate routes. The expected project duration is for Thursday November 21, 2024, only. The road will be opened by 4:00 PM. Any concerns call 610-814-6476 (24/7/365).

An Act 537 Plan Update (Plan) has been prepared for Bethlehem Township (Township), Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The Plan addresses the planning requirements necessary to provide for public sanitary sewer collection and conveyance improvements to meet public sewer service needs in the Township.

For more information please click HERE

The Bethlehem Township Civil Service Commission convened a duly advertised meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in the municipal building to conduct regular business. As not all such business was addressed, the commission voted unanimously to continue the meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, November 25, 2024, in the municipal building.

Township commissioner Jan Beatty resigned her position effective November 4, 2024. She served as commissioner from the township’s second ward since January 2022. In turn, the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners must within 30 days appoint a commissioner for the second ward. The appointment will run through the remainder of Ms. Beatty’s term, ending in January 2026.

Township residents of the second ward who would like to be considered for this appointment should send a letter of interest (resumes appreciated but not required) to the board via the email address dbruce@bethlehemtownship.org or by regular mail to: Board of Commissioners, Bethlehem Township, 4225 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18020. The board will accept letters of interest through Monday, November 25, 2024.

The Bethlehem Township Budget Hearings will be held on October 24, October 29, and November 7, 2024 @ 6:00pm. Meetings will be available in-person and virtually.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 5-7PM. Come join us for free food, music, fun for kids, community organizations, and local emergency first responders. Location is at the Bethlehem Township Municipal Park on Farmersville Road.

As part of the Upcoming Bethlehem Township Storm Sewer Installation Project and prior to the Township’s Project, the City of Bethlehem Department of Water & Sewer Resources will be undertaking a Water Main and Service Line Replacement Project on Walnut Street from Seventh Street to the Willow Park Road. During the installation of the New Water Main and all Appurtenances, there should be minimal disturbance to your property, and will be restored to existing conditions. This activity will occur tentatively between Tuesday July 23, 2024 thru August 30, 2024. Hours of operation will be between 7:00am to 3:00pm. Please be advised Walnut Street will be partially closed throughout the day, and reopened each afternoon. We take our responsibility to deliver safe, clean drinking water to our customers very seriously and are taking steps to minimize the impact to our customer’s daily activities. Any questions or concerns can be directed to our Water Engineering Department at 610- 428-0211. Also, in cases of loss of water or other urgent matter, you may contact our 24/7 Service Center at 610-865-7077. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

The Civil Service Commission hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at the municipal building has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Freemansburg Avenue is closed between Hope Road and Stones Crossing Road due to repairs by Verizon from an earlier traffic incident.

Main Street in the Borough of Freemansburg will be CLOSED to through traffic for several months beginning Monday, July 8, 2024 due to construction activities. The closure will affect travel between Bethlehem Township and the Rt. 412 / I-78 /Hellertown area. Construction includes public water and natural gas service replacements and repairs. The construction activities and roadway closure are expected to continue into October 2024.

PennDOT approved road closure and detour plans are being implemented.

Attention Vineyard at Wagner Farms residents: Vintage Drive between Farmersville Road and Chardonnay Drive will be closed to all traffic Monday June 10 through Friday June 14 for sewer line work. The roadway will only be closed between the hours of 7am to 5pm and will be open every night.

The Township of Bethlehem has declared a Snow Emergency beginning at 6pm Monday, February 12, 2024 until 9pm Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Parking on designated Snow Emergency routes and all cul-de-sacs is prohibited during the snow emergency period. Snow tires or chains are required for travel on designated roadways during a declared emergency. Vehicles may be towed from emergency routes at owner’s expense if not removed.

A list of designated Snow Emergency Routes can be found on the Township website HERE

Residents are encouraged to remove parked vehicles from all township roadways to aid Public Works in their snow removal efforts.

Citizens are encouraged to stay off the roadways and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary so that Public Works can safely clear roadways.

Property Owners - Please clear snow from school bus stops and around neighborhood fire hydrants. Snow should be cleared a minimum of 3 feet around the hydrant.

Twp. Ordinance - Sidewalks shall be cleared of snow & ice within 24 hours after precipitation has ceased to fall. Snow blowers – Blowing snow, shoveling snow or depositing snow or ice onto Township roadways is illegal.

By Order of the Chief of Police
Gregory J. Gottschall

ZONING HEARING BOARD OF BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
JANUARY 31, 2024 PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD, AT 6:30PM ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 AT THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 4225 EASTON AVENUE, BETHLEHEM, PA 18020 WILL HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, AMONG OTHER ISSUES, CONCERNING THE FOLLOWING:

Appeal #01-2024 of G Stephen & Teresa Fogt seeks relief concerning real estate located at 3399 Darien Road, Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania. The remedy requested is interpretive relief regarding Sections 275-171.B(6) and 275-42.E(1) of the Bethlehem Township Zoning Ordinance. The applicants seek an interpretation that “the property is subject to the 25-foot setback… not the 35-foot setback” applicable to front yards. In the alternative the applicants request a 10-foot front yard setback variance pursuant to the same Sections. The real estate is located in the Low Density Residential (LDR) Zoning District, maintains Northampton County Tax Parcel Identification Number M7NW2 3 16 0205 and is described at Northampton County Deed Book Volume 2023-1, Page 061406. All interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. Supporting documents are available at www.bethlehemtownship.org or for review by appointment with Zoning Officer Samantha Smith (ssmith@bethlehemtwp.com / 610-814-6464)

The Township of Bethlehem has declared a Snow Emergency beginning at 8pm Monday, January 15, 2024 until 12pm Tuesday, January 16, 2024..

Parking on designated Snow Emergency routes and all cul-de-sacs is prohibited. Snow tires or chains are required for travel on designated roadways during a declared emergency. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense if not removed.

A list of designated Snow Emergency Routes can be found on the Township website: https://www.bethlehemtownship.org/pworks_snow.html

Residents are encouraged to remove parked vehicles from all township roadways to aid Public Works in their snow removal efforts.

Citizens are encouraged to stay off the roadways and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary so that Public Works can safely clear roadways.

Property Owners - Please clear snow from school bus stops and around neighborhood fire hydrants. Snow should be cleared a minimum of 3 feet around the hydrant.

Twp. Ordinance - Sidewalks shall be cleared of snow & ice within 24 hours after same has ceased to fall. Snow blowers - Depositing snow or ice onto Township roadways is illegal.

By Order of the Chief of Police
Gregory J. Gottschall

Due to lack of a quorum, the Monday, December 11, 2023 Recreation Committee meeting is canceled.

Due to a lack of agenda items, the Tuesday, December 19 , 2023 Planning Commission meeting is canceled.

The Environmental Advisory Council meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight has been canceled due to a lack of a quorum.

Bethlehem Township is seeking township residents interested in serving on municipal authorities, boards, and commissions.

The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to make the following appointments at its January 2, 2024, reorganization meeting:

Planning Commission
One four-year term expiring December 31, 2027

Recreation Commission
One five-year term expiring December 31, 2028
Remainder of a five-year term expiring December 31, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board
One five-year term expiring December 31, 2028

Vacancy Board
One one-year term expiring December 31, 2024 (serves as board chair)

Bethlehem Area Public Library Advisory Board
One three-year term expiring December 31, 2026
Remainder of a three-year term expiring December 31, 2024
One three-year term as alternate member expiring December 31, 2026

Municipal Authority
One five-year term expiring January 2029

Environmental Advisory Council
Two three-year terms expiring January 2027

Township Treasurer
One two-year term expiring January 2026

Please note: There are incumbents in many of these positions who will also be considered for reappointment by the Board of Commissioners.

Most authorities, boards, and commissions meet monthly; some positions include a modest per-meeting stipend, some are unpaid.

If you are interested in serving in any of these positions, please send an e-mail (specifying position(s) of interest), with resume attached, to the following address by December 20, 2023: dbruce@bethlehemtownship.org

Bethlehem Township has launched an online reporting system for stormwater concerns. This form is for Bethlehem Township residents only.

Concerns can include: flooding from creek/stream/waterbody or stormwater system limitations, etc. To report your stormwater concern please click HERE.

To view the Township's process for addressing reported concerns, please click HERE.

Due to an emergency, this meeting scheduled for October 4th was cancelled. Please check back for future date.

The Bethlehem Township Zoning Hearing Board will meet at 6:30PM on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the township municipal building, 4225 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18020. All interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. The hearing will be held in-person only.

VIEW agenda and supporting documentation

Due to a lack of agenda items, the Planning Commission meeting for September 25 is cancelled.

Bethlehem Township is in the process of refining its flood mitigation strategy to increase the resiliency of the township during flooding events. Please join us at 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 26 at our public meeting to provide your input on stormwater and flooding issues and learn about the near- and long-term stormwater/flood mitigation projects currently in progress.

Kaitlin Mills and Jonathan Robinson of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic , the Township's stormwater engineer, will be presenting information and receiving public comments at the meeting.

In addition, this meeting will also be held electronically through Zoom or call-in by phone.

When joining by computer or compatible video enabled video/audio device, Select Computer Audio.

If calling in by telephone only, use the provided telephone number, and the meeting ID when prompted. Telephone calls are not toll free, we recommend using 267-831-0333 (Philadelphia). Be aware that data and calling charges are applicable, and to verify with your telephone carrier before calling.

Topic: Bethlehem Township public stormwater meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89634227953?pwd=UmpsRHlpN0dmcUZuV3RRaXozVi9RQT09
Meeting ID: 896 3422 7953
Passcode: 781521

Roof replacement work at Bethlehem Township Municipal Building Please note roofing construction work is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, July 13 and 14, at the municipal building. This work will replace original 1998 roofing in areas that have not already been renovated during earlier projects. The municipal building will be open Thursday and Friday as normal (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) during the project. Outside areas affected include the employee entrance and the police station entrance. Both will be tented and open for use while construction is going on. The front walkway and main entrance should not be affected during this project.
We apologize for any temporary inconvenience due to the construction.

Bethlehem Township is now accepting applications for Entry-Level Police Patrol Officer.

To view application requirements please CLICK HERE

For this application period, the Township of Bethlehem is waiving the $50.00 application fee, the 60 college credit requirement, and the Act 120 (Municipal Police Officer Training Act) requirement.

To download the police application please CLICK HERE

Please note: Application acceptance starts Friday, July 7, 2023 and is open until Friday, August 11, 2023.

The Chrin V7 sketch plan has also been pulled from tonight's planning commission agenda at the developer's request.

the Fields of Farmersville (Miller Farm) PRD plan has been removed from the agenda at the developer's request.

The next Planning Commission meeting will be held Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7 p.m., with both in-person and virtual attendance. The meeting will be held at the municipal building, 4225 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18020, and is open to the public. The revised agenda can be reviewed HERE

The tennis courts at Bethlehem Township Municipal Park will be closed today and tomorrow (May 31 and June 1) for renovations. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Bethlehem Township is developing an Active Transportation Network to help improve walking, biking, wheeling, and riding transit in the Township. Come share your input on what connections are important to you!

Community Open House will be on Monday, June 5th, 2023 from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Municipal Building on 4225 Easton Avenue.

You can visit our Active Transportation Plan Page HERE

This event is now scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting on the north end of Fritch Drive.

Please note: Trash bags, gloves, and water will be provided. Please wear comfortable sneakers or boots (no open-toed shoes, sandals, crocs, etc.) All participants must sign township liability waivers. For more information, please contact Brian Hillard at bshillard@outlook.com The "Community Clean-Up," sponsored by the Bethlehem Township Environmental Advisory Council and scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2023, has been postponed due to the forecast of inclement weather. The clean-up was scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Fritch Drive (north of Brodhead Road) and the intersection of Highland Avenue and Mowrer Road. A rescheduled date and time will be determined and posted later.

The "Community Clean-Up," sponsored by the Bethlehem Township Environmental Advisory Council and scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2023, has been postponed due to the forecast of inclement weather. The clean-up was scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Fritch Drive (north of Brodhead Road) and the intersection of Highland Avenue and Mowrer Road. A rescheduled date and time will be determined and posted later.

The Zoning Hearing Board will be having a special meeting on March 15, 2023 at 6:00pm. To view the agenda for this meeting, please click HERE.

Bethlehem Township has released an Active Transportation Plan page to offer both information and input from our Township residents. Residents are encouraged to take our survey and also provide suggestions by using our Interactive Map.

You can visit our Active Transportation Plan Page HERE

The Bethlehem Township Zoning Hearing Board will meet to hear Appeal #02-2023, the continued hearing related to Harvey's Corner, on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building.

Notice to applicants seeking employment as an entry-level police patrol officer for the Township of Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania,

Please click HERE for more information.

Township commissioner Dale Sourbeck passed away February 26, 2023. Mr. Sourbeck served as a commissioner since 2020. The township's staff and commissioners extend sincere condolences to Mr. Sourbeck's family, friends, and colleagues.

In turn, the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners must within 30 days appoint a commissioner for the first ward of the township. The appointment will run through the remainder of Mr. Sourbeck's term, ending in January 2024. Township residents of the first ward who would like to be considered for this appointment should send a letter of interest (resumes appreciated but not required) to the board via the email address dbruce@bethlehemtownship.org or by regular mail to: Board of Commissioners, Bethlehem Township, 4225 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18020.

The board will accept letters of interest through Friday, March 17, 2023.

What: Bethlehem Township Active Transportation Plan - Public Visioning Workshop
When: Monday, March 6, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Bethlehem Township Municipal Building - 4225 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, PA

Do wish you could comfortably walk, bike, wheel, and ride transit to more places in Bethlehem Township? With grant funding through the PA Department of Health WalkWorks Program, Bethlehem Township is developing a township-wide active transportation plan to identify capital projects, policies, and programs to improve safety, increase opportunities for walking/biking/wheeling, and expand transit access. The plan aims to improve community health and expand transportation options by creating safe connections to key destinations throughout the Township.

The Township needs your input to make this effort a success and ensure that the plan represents the needs of your community. There are many ways to get involved and share your ideas, concerns, and priorities for walking and biking in Bethlehem Township:

- Join the mailing list to received project updates and notifications
- Attend a public open house
- Use the interactive map to share highlight potential connections and existing barriers

The scheduled Zoning Hearing Board meeting on February 22, 2023 (this Wednesday) has been canceled due to withdraws of Appeal #01-2023 (9th St) and Appeal #03-2023 (4063 Nazareth Pike).

The Zoning Hearing Board will be having a special meeting on February 15, 2023 at 6:00pm. To view the agenda for this meeting, please click HERE.

The Planning Commission meeting of Monday, January 23, 2023 is cancelled.

Patrons can now make online reservations for Township pavilions starting Monday, January, 16 at 8am. Reservations will ONLY be taken through the Township website. Please visit our Pavilion Rentals page for more information.

ROAD CLOSURE - Wednesday, January 4, 2023 7am until end of day - CHURCH ROAD between William Penn Hwy & Country Club Road. Church Road will be closed for a sewer line installation. Detours will be in place during the closure.