Evacuation order issued in Bethlehem as land shift threatens security

BETHLEHEM, NY (WRGB) — A Bethlehem business has been ordered to vacate the premises, with experts saying moving land on site poses an imminent threat.

The city of Bethlehem, working with the property owner and utilities, has been tracking 55 Delaware Ave., home to a Hoffman’s car wash and a Jiffy Lube, for three years.

According to city officials, portions of the property’s slope have been actively displaced, as evidenced by both monitoring data and a 23-foot-deep crack at the north end of a parking lot on the property.

A recently released report by CHA, the City’s geotechnical engineer, indicates that slope movement now poses an imminent threat to public safety. The City of Bethlehem has therefore issued an evacuation order, which will go into effect at the close of business on October 12, 2025. The order will remain in effect until the property is deemed safe.

National Grid and Eastern Gas are moving two natural gas pipelines from the region.

The New York State Department of Transportation has determined that Delaware Avenue is safe and does not need to be closed.

Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven said, “Public safety is the Town of Bethlehem’s top priority. While we strongly support our local businesses, geotechnical monitoring data indicates that slope movement now poses an imminent threat to public safety. We will continue to closely monitor the area and respond quickly and responsibly if the situation warrants.”