Remarks from Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez at University Convocation

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the City of Bethlehem, and to Lehigh University.

Bethlehem of 2019, is very different from the Bethlehem of 1991 when some of your parents attended Lehigh University. 28 years ago, Bethlehem Steel was still making steel, and employing roughly 3,000 people.
Even with the closing of Bethlehem Steel, Bethlehem has remained strong, changing when necessary, but never losing its identity.

Last year, Bethlehem was named by Readers Digest as one of the “15 most underrated Cities in the U.S.,” and was also named one of the nation’s safest college towns by Safewise.com.

Earlier this month, Bethlehem celebrated its 36th year hosting close to one million people at Musikfest, the largest free music festival in the United States.

As the City has evolved with the modern age, a revitalization of South Bethlehem has been taking place. New businesses have opened, and new infrastructure has been put in place. 

Last year, a new 25 million dollar office building, anchored by Lehigh University and St. Luke’s University Health Network, opened at 3rd and New Streets.

This was preceded by a 17 million dollar, 600 car garage. Also last year, the 510 Flats/Greenway Commons development, opened on 3rd Street, near the Steel Stacks Campus (featuring a Starbucks and restaurants).

Along with the expanding economic development, the SouthSide Arts District has hosted community events, festivals, and activities from “First Fridays” to Restaurant Week. Keep an eye out for some great fall activities.

Coming in the spring of 2020, Riverport Market will be opening on West 2nd Street. This market will include an anchor restaurant, along with 35 food vendors, and a brew tasting room.

These projects continue the economic growth and revitalization of South Bethlehem.

I hope during your four years at Lehigh, that you step off campus, sample our restaurants, and experience the entertainment, festivals, history, and the arts that Bethlehem has to offer.

In addition, let me emphasize the following point: Lehigh University and the City of Bethlehem are committed to your safety while you attend this prestigious University.

We have worked very hard to ensure that South Bethlehem is a safe community, especially with the opening of a new joint police substation, located in the new garage. But please use some common sense.
The partnership between the City and Lehigh is strong, and it continues to grow under my leadership and the leadership of my friend, President Simon.

In closing, let me say that I wish you great success during your four years at Lehigh, and in the years after that. You have the opportunity to receive an excellent education, at one of America’s outstanding collegiate institutions.

I hope that you get to know our City, and maybe, some of you, might make Bethlehem your home in a few years. Good luck in all your endeavors, and welcome to Bethlehem.