BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Norfolk Southern, a freight railroad company, has asked Bethlehem police to remove homeless people camping on its property by the Lehigh River, citing safety and health concerns.
In a letter to Police Chief Michelle Kott, Norfolk Southern requested that signs be posted on its property by Sept. 15, with an order for residents to be removed by Dec. 15.
“As the legal owner of the property in question, Norfolk Southern is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both the community and our employees,” the letter, authored by Norfolk Southern Railway police Agent Maria Brogna, said. “Over the past several months, we have observed an increasing number of unhoused individuals establishing makeshift encampments on our property. While we are sympathetic to the hardships many of these individuals face, their continued presence has raised significant health and safety concerns.”
The letter cited improper disposal of waste, open fires, and potential interference with rail operations. A Norfolk Southern spokesperson said the company is working closely with officials while emphasizing the risks posed by active rail traffic.
Kott said Bethlehem police are legally required to comply with the request but will try to help relocate people rather than evict them.
The city’s Community Connections program, which pairs Health Bureau social workers with police officers for outreach, has established relationships with some camp residents and helped some formerly homeless people find permanent housing.
The Bethlehem Health Bureau estimated there are about 91 homeless people across the city. The city has requested additional details from Norfolk Southern, including clarification of responsibilities and a formal process for removal or relocation.
Mayor J. William Reynolds emphasized the city’s focus on offering services and permanent housing.
“We do not feel that being homeless should be a permanent state of existence for anyone,” Reynolds said in a statement.
The Bethlehem Emergency Shelter, which opens Nov. 1 for the colder months, will provide housing for people being removed.
The Norfolk Southern request follows a similar situation in Allentown, where the city recently extended an evacuation deadline for a homeless encampment along the Jordan Creek. Residents there will now be allowed to remain until Sept. 29, ahead of the early opening of the Allentown warming shelter.
