New South Side Bethlehem Downtown Coordinator Hired

Lehigh and the City of Bethlehem expanded their efforts to revitalize the South Side commercial district along Third and Fourth streets with the naming of Dan Friedman as the city’s South Side Bethlehem Downtown Coordinator.

The new position will be funded by Lehigh for three years.

The goal is to create a thriving shopping and arts district in downtown South Side and an enhanced sense of community.Plans include installing bike racks and public art, improving the streetscape, generating funding for marketing and branding of the South Side and increasing the number and quality of live events.

“I’m excited to build on the energy, creativity and history of the South Side,” said Friedman, a former Los Angeles-based live events producer and community programming director.

The new position is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts between Lehigh and the city. Among these initiatives is the South Side Ambassador program, which provides services such as trash removal and hospitality assistance.

“The parents of our prospective students want to know that the community where their son or daughter will be living for four years is one they can be proud of,” President John Simon said.

“The success of the Ambassador program is a major reason why Lehigh is again partnering with the city for this latest initiative.”