BETHLEHEM, Pa. – During Bethlehem City Council’s meeting Tuesday night, the city administration addressed the evacuation of unhoused individuals from Norfolk Southern-owned land.
Railroad police, along with Bethlehem police, cleared the encampment earlier Tuesday.
Norfolk Southern said the site is too close to an active rail line and poses health and safety risks, including open fires and improper waste disposal. A company spokesperson said the railroad’s priority is safety.
Members of the city’s Community Connections Program, which is a partnership between the Bethlehem Health Bureau and the police department to connect people with social services, were also on site.
“I found it supremely depressing,” said resident and advocate Valerie Noonan.
Another speaker said the evacuation was one of the most difficult things she had ever witnessed.
Both commenters described the challenges unhoused individuals faced with bulky belongings and finding alternative housing. Vouchers and transportation for belongings were available for those going to certain locations, but individuals choosing other destinations were required to make their own arrangements.
Aaron Hill said he has been experiencing homelessness for 12 years now.
“At the end of the day, we wish we had been able to connect every individual to housing,” said Kristen Wenrich, director of the Bethlehem Health Bureau.
Police Chief Michele Kott said officers tried to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“This is not something we just woke up and did; we have been spending countless hours down at the encampments, building relationships,” Kott said.
“This is not a situation anybody is thrilled about on a human level,” said Laura Collins, the city’s director of community and economic development.
Wenrich said 92 unique individuals have lived in the affected area since August. Of those, 85% have been connected to services, including medical care, case management, drug and alcohol treatment and mental health treatment.
On Tuesday, a mobile clinic was available, and five individuals were assisted with housing while one received medical care, Wenrich said.
Bethlehem’s 2026 budget passed Tuesday in a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Bryan Callahan and Grace Crampsie Smith voting “no.”
In other business, City Council passed Bethlehem’s 2026 budget in a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Bryan Callahan and Grace Crampsie Smith voting “no.”