BETHLEHEM, NY (WRGB) — A Bethlehem business has been ordered to vacate as experts say shifting ground at the location poses an imminent threat.
The Town of Bethlehem, along with the property owner and public utilities, has been tracking the slope at 55 Delaware Ave, home to a Hoffman’s Car wash and a Jiffy Lube, for the last three years.
According to town officials, portions of the slope on the property have been actively moving, as evidenced by both monitoring data and by a 23-foot deep crack in the northern end of a parking lot on the property.
A report recently issued by CHA, the Town’s geotechnical engineer, indicates that slope movement now poses an imminent threat to public safety. The Town of Bethlehem has therefore issued an order to vacate, effective at the close of business on October 12, 2025. The order will remain in effect until the property can be deemed safe.
National Grid and Eastern Gas are relocating two natural gas pipelines from the area.
The NYS Department of Transportation has determined that Delaware Avenue is safe and does not need to be closed.
David VanLuven, Bethlehem Town Supervisor stated, “Public safety is the Town of Bethlehem’s top priority. While we strongly support our local businesses, the geotechnical monitoring data indicate that the slope movement now poses an imminent threat to public safety. We will continue to closely monitor the area and respond quickly and responsibly as the situation warrants.”
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