BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem Area School District is making progress in the design phase for the new Fountain Hill Elementary building slated to open by fall 2027, but must modify traffic plans to address borough concerns.
“The wheels are turning and we are proceeding down the design development path,” BASD Chief Facilities Officer Mark Stein told the school board at a Monday meeting.
Stein said the district already has submitted a sketch plan to Fountain Hill.
At its next meeting May 20, Bethlehem Area School Board will vote on an agenda item to hire Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. to conduct a traffic impact study at Fountain Hill Elementary for no more than $42,000.Bethlehem Area School Board
The new building will sit at the school’s existing site at 1330 Church St. The project will cost $62.2 million and construction is set to begin in summer 2025.
Stein said his team is working closely with the borough for BASD’s land development application, which he hopes to submit to the zoning board by June for review.
The borough has expressed concern about the proposed traffic circulation at the new building based on current daily traffic challenges at the existing school.
Specifically, the borough wants more space at the student pick-up and drop-off location on Moravia Street, as well as separate areas for bus and car traffic, Superintendent Jack Silva said.
Site design modifications and a traffic impact study are required to address these concerns.
At their next meeting May 20, school directors will vote on an agenda item to hire Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. to conduct a traffic impact study at Fountain Hill Elementary for no more than $42,000. This cost falls within the budget for the project.
Other projects to be considered
At the same meeting, school directors also will vote on whether to allow the district administration to solicit bids for six potential capital projects to be completed over the next two summers.
With a capital reserve balance, the district has $3 million allocated to the projects. The district will select which of the six projects to complete if needed to prioritize them because of cost.Bethlehem Area School Board
At Freedom High School, the district is proposing updates to the auditorium, creation of a press box and equipment storage building, installation of bleachers at the turf field and the renovation of locker and trainer's rooms.
At Liberty High School, projects would include renovation of the fieldhouse locker room and replacement of the sidewalk on Fairview Street.
At BASD Stadium, field lighting would be replaced.
With a capital reserve balance, the district has $3 million allocated to the projects.
The district will select which of the six projects to complete if needed to prioritize them because of cost.
