Mark Sivak, the city's former budget and finance director, was sentenced to a year of probation, restitution and required to cover investigation costs incurred by the city. Other charges were withdrawn under the plea deal.
The township planning commission voted 4-3 against recommending approval. The dissenters wanted more information following safety and traffic concerns around the intersection of Willow Park Road and Freemansburg Avenue.
While city and parking officials wouldn't think of the West Walnut Street site as ideal for police operations, the proposal re-opened a dialogue among Bethlehem first responders.
The school district is looking ahead to protect its land by submitting plans for a new school, all as road improvements are set to come at the nearby intersection of Freemansburg Avenue and Farmersville Road. Officials said no school is coming just yet, though.
Council President Jason Banonis proposed cutting property taxes by more than half, citing the potential for the township to face lawsuits since Lower Saucon "is very flush with cash." The 2024 budget had been advertised to involve no change in taxes.