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BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem City Mayor Bob Donchez presented the 2017 "State of the City" address during the mayor's breakfast at the SteelStacks Thursday morning. Donchez said the financial condition of the city has improved since he assumed office. In particular, the city's deficit dropped from $40 million to $12 million and the bond rating of the city improved from BBB to A- positive outlook. "I'm pleased to announce the state of the city is strong," he told the crowd. He noted the city's no tax increase this year, the reduction of expenses by $15.4 million and an increase in revenue of $4.2 million. "We are leaner, we are stronger," he said. "And it is our ability to work together, with city council, that has made this progress possible." Donchez said under his administration the city has consolidated departments and embraced new technologies, while remaining committed to the continuation of city services. Investments in public safety have also occurred, including dash cameras for police vehicles, body cameras for police officers and the purchase of new breathing apparatus for the city fire department. "Bethlehem continues to be one of the safest cities in Pennsylvania," he said. The state, Donchez told the crowd, has required the city's 911 center consolidate with Northampton County by June 2019, forcing all calls to go to the county. Donchez said the city is currently looking into creating a 311 central access number for non-emergency calls into the city emergency operations center. "This will provide more efficiency, better customer service and more accountability to the public," he said. According to Donchez, the city has strengthened its blight remediation efforts. He highlighted the city taking over control of the old Goodman Furniture building and its intent to rehabilitate the building. "Let me be clear: if blighting a building is not enough to get the attention of the property owner, the city is prepared to take control of these buildings and facilitate their redevelopment," he said. Also, the city launched a landlord training program and has seen great strides with the city housing rehabilitation program. For instance, in 2016 the city completed 29 rehabilitation projects. Promoting the downtown areas and making them more appealing, specifically brick and mortar businesses, will continue, Donchez said. Regarding parks and recreation, the city recently completed a comprehensive study looking at both. One noteworthy accomplishment includes turning Saucon Park into a safer, more peaceful area. Partnerships with the community, such as Lehigh University and Moravian College, will continue under his administration. Donchez also noted the negotiations currently occurring with Sands to sell its casino. "I expect to work with the eventual owners to fulfill the redevelopment commitments made a decade ago and bring further investment to the former Bethlehem Steel property," he said. Engaging with the community is one facet of serving as mayor Donchez said he enjoys. He said he will continue his three neighborhood walks yearly and continues with his open door policy the second Monday of each month. "I feel fortunate to live in a community, where citizens are engaged, and willing to be involved for the betterment of Bethlehem," he said. "I cannot stress enough how our ability to work together has allowed Bethlehem to succeed where others would have failed." The event was sponsored by the Great Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Read the original article here.