BETHLEHEM, PA – FEBRUARY 2026 – The Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) has launched a Community Perception Survey to gather input from business owners, residents, students, and visitors on its SouthSide Arts District (SSAD) program and the District itself, inclusive of 3rd and 4th Streets in South Bethlehem.
Established in 2015 in partnership with Lehigh University, SSAD focuses on business development programming and arts-based initiatives in South Bethlehem with the goal of supporting local commerce and enhancing the neighborhood’s economic and cultural vitality.
In July 2025, the Commonwealth of PA awarded BEDCO a Main Street Matters planning grant to support a comprehensive revisioning of the District and guide future priorities. Derck & Edson, a Lititz-based planning and design firm specializing in community revitalization and downtown redevelopment, was contracted to lead the process.
“This survey is one of the many ways that residents, business leaders, and civic leaders can make their voices heard during this planning process to improve the programs and sense of place within the SouthSide Arts District,” said Mark Evans, project manager at Derck & Edson, “We look forward to hearing all ideas, as they will inform the plan and its recommendations.”
Survey participants are encouraged to share their perspectives on topics such as events, business development, beautification and safety, and community interaction. The survey takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. It can be found on the District’s website at: https://southsideartsdistrict.com/bedco-plans-ahead-launches-community-survey-for-bethlehems-southside-arts-district/
“This is an important opportunity for everyone who lives, works, or spends time on the SouthSide to have their opinions heard,” said Erin Zebertavage, Downtown Manager of the SouthSide Arts District. “Our goal is to make sure District priorities continue to reflect the needs, values, and vision of our diverse business community as it grows and changes.”
BEDCO
The Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) was established in 1982 for the purpose of facilitating economic development in the City of Bethlehem. BEDCO works closely with the City of Bethlehem’s Department of Community & Economic Development to ensure a unified economic development strategy. BEDCO manages the Southside Arts District, a commercial revitalization program; Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone and Pi: Partnership for Innovation incubator; both of which are programs that benefit innovative start-up companies and entrepreneurs.
SouthSide Arts District
The SouthSide Arts District is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) with the mission to build upon the community’s entrepreneurial, cultural, and artistic heritage to support economic development for the businesses of South Bethlehem and to promote the SouthSide’s unique identity as a destination for arts, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Information provided to TVL by:
Sean Ziller / Erin Zebertavage
