Easton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Easton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Side-Yard Shed and Fence Placement Standards
Two applicants — one on Canal Street, one on High Street — want to put storage structures where the zoning code says they can't go. Both cases will test how flexible the board is on accessory building placement and setbacks.
GWG Rock LLC Northampton Street development settlement
Council authorized a settlement with developer GWG Rock LLC over three long-blighted lots across from the Nurture Nature Center. Any new plan still has to clear zoning and the HDC, and must resolve the neighboring-property dispute and include the required common amenities space.
Downtown Hotel Demolition Impacts on Neighbors
A resident living adjacent to the former Hampton Hotel fire site complained about property damage, debris, and trespassing caused by demolition contractors. City officials advised the resident to document damages with police and codes departments for civil recourse.
D&L Trail Maintenance and Infrastructure Safety
A resident questioned the prolonged closure and lack of repairs on the D&L Trail between miles 64 and 65, which has been washed out for five years. Officials agreed to follow up with the responsible parties.
Easton Iron and Metal (The Foundry) Development Review
Foundry Development Group is planning a major two-phase mixed-use redevelopment on vacant city-owned land along Bushkill Drive, adding 259 apartments, retail space, parking, and trail connections. Neighbors raised questions about traffic speeds, construction impacts, stormwater runoff, and building height.
Stewart Street Townhouse Development
An applicant is proposing an eight-lot subdivision on Pastor Fred Davis Street featuring seven townhomes. Commissioners raised concerns about steep slopes, retaining walls, stormwater swales, and whether sidewalks should be installed along vacant lots.
Warehouse Project Litigation and Mediation
Residents expressed concern over the solicitor's office agreeing to non-binding mediation regarding ongoing warehouse litigation.
Bushkill Drive Mixed-Use Redevelopment
The redevelopment of former industrial land along Bushkill Drive into mixed-use residential and commercial buildings sparked significant public debate regarding building height, stormwater management in the floodplain, and increased traffic.
Development Agreements & Stormwater Management for Berwick and Centre Streets
Developer Nicholas Zawarski received approval to build a 3-story, 12-unit apartment building on a long-vacant lot surrounded by industrial warehouses. The project will bring new housing and green space while serving as a buffer between industrial and residential areas.
Two-Family Conversion at 254 W. Nesquehoning St.
The owner of 329 Folk Street wants to turn a long-vacant commercial storefront into three new apartments, bringing four total units to the property. Commissioners discussed building layout, parking grandfathering, and green space.
Workforce Housing Ordinance Amendments
Council discussed strengthening the city's affordable housing ordinance by lowering income thresholds to local levels and raising developer penalties for opting out.
Side-Yard Shed Variance at 525 Mixsell St.
Homeowners requested permission to place a small shed in their side yard due to backyard slopes and an existing pool.
Youth Services Program Review at 11 N 13th St.
The zoning board reviewed the progress of a youth center run by Azanae Diggs-Jackson and granted an eight-month extension to let the program get fully established.
Certification of Blighted Properties
The city is cracking down on vacant and neglected properties by advancing blight determinations for eight addresses and certifying another property after two years of inaction.
Affordable Housing Bill No. 12 Revisions
Council reviewed updated affordable housing rules that require 25 percent workforce housing, cap rent at 30 percent of local income, and bump the developer opt-out fee to $30,000 per unit.
Jackson Street Multifamily Infill Development
The planning commission advanced multiple residential projects, including low-rise and mid-rise apartments, to help address local and regional housing shortages.
Municipal Parking Capacity and Developer Agreements
Council updated merchant processing for parking meters and explored new parking options, such as St. John's Church lot sharing.
Housing Safety Ordinance
Easton is cracking down on landlords with a new tenant-list rule and a utility investigation after the Hotel Hampton fire. It's all about making sure local apartments are actually safe to live in.
Workforce Housing Infill Development on Phillips Street
The Greater Community Development Corporation is partnering with Tuskus Homes to build eight affordable workforce housing units on Phillips Street. Neighbors raised strong concerns about traffic congestion, narrow streets, lack of sidewalks, and property values, prompting the board to add a strict no-street-parking condition.
101 S. 3rd Street Mixed-Use Condominium Development
A developer is building a major 7-story mixed-use project downtown with 73 condos and ground-floor retail, which is seeing massive pre-sale interest. The project adds much-needed owner-occupied housing to Easton's downtown corridor.
Commercial Redevelopment
Easton City Council just approved tearing down and rebuilding the local McDonald's. Get ready for a sleek, modern makeover at that busy neighborhood corner.
Warehouse Development
Easton residents are fighting plans to build a huge warehouse at the old Pfizer plant site. Expect some serious neighborhood battles at city hall over traffic, noise, and zoning rules.
Urban Development
Easton's city council just approved new development projects, so builders are getting ready to break ground. You'll likely start seeing fresh construction and neighborhood changes pop up nearby soon.
Economic Development
Easton is planning a massive £130 million Da Vinci Science City to drive tourism and downtown traffic. Local leaders just signed an agreement to get the ball rolling on the project.