Bethlehem Receives Grant to Support Neighborhood Improvements

Bethlehem has received a $225,000 Keystone Communities grant to support neighborhood improvements.

The grant is from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“We are building a stronger Pennsylvania by creating economic opportunity at the local level,” Gov. Tom Corbett in announcing the grant. “By partnering with communities such as the City of Bethlehem we are helping to revive neighborhoods and bring new businesses and visitors into local areas.”

Funding will support several projects including sidewalk improvements, crosswalk installation, bus shelter stops, tree planting and public bench installation, the Governor's Office said.

“The $225,000 in Keystone Communities funds is critical to the continued progress of redevelopment in the Eastern Gateway neighborhood,” said Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez. “With the redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel site, South Bethlehem’s back door is now its front door. The Eastern Gateway neighborhood is now at the core of much of South Bethlehem’s redevelopment. The Keystone Community funds will help to implement the Eastern Gateway Vision plan that was recently completed with a significant amount of public input.”

The Keystone Communities program was created in 2011 to assist commonwealth communities in achieving redevelopment.