A question from a longtime resident prompted council discussion on Nov. 20 about an upcoming Norfolk Southern action affecting people camping along the railroad.

Robert Fragilio asked whether the planned Norfolk Southern removal would occur in December. A police representative said the company had indicated Dec. 15 as the date and that Bethlehem Police officers would be present with Norfolk Southern officers to help de‑escalate situations and to coordinate support. "We will be there at Bethlehem Police officers with Norfolk Southern officers, just to ensure how everything goes," the officer said.

Officials said the parcels near the canal include both Norfolk Southern and some city property; the city has been engaging residents through outreach to find shelter or housing options and to make people aware of services. The officer told council that counts of people living there fluctuate with weather: earlier counts have ranged from the 40s to as many as 60, and the current number was not confirmed at the meeting.

Council asked the administration for a fuller update at the Dec. 16 meeting that would include how many people were found lodging elsewhere, how many accepted help from the city and what interdepartmental responses (police, Community Connections, health bureau) had been provided.

No legal action by the council was recorded at the Nov. 20 meeting; the council sought an informational update for its next scheduled meeting.