Easton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Easton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Planning Commission Procedural Updates & Public Notice Expansion
A debate broke out over whether a sick zoning board member could participate and vote remotely via phone and livestream. Objectors argued it violates local rules, while solicitors pointed to state laws allowing it, highlighting how local boards handle post-COVID virtual attendance.
Church Street Vacation and Ordinance Amendments
The council will discuss a proposal to vacate a portion of Church Street alongside amendments to mechanical and amusement regulations under Bill No. 29 and Bill No. 30.
Setback Variance for Shed at 61 N. Locust St.
Gary Skelly was granted a side yard setback variance to install a prefabricated garage shed to protect his vehicle from falling tree branches.
Davis Street Duplex Conversion Denial
An owner requested variances to convert a single-family house into a duplex, utilizing existing rear parking spaces.
Accessory Structure Approval at 309 W. Wayne Ave.
Residents sought approval for garages and large accessory structures to store personal vehicles and protect them from tree damage.
Driveway Width Variance at 812 W. Grant St.
Property owners sought relief for existing paved driveways exceeding maximum width limits, leading to conditions for signs and future removal.
Accessory Structure Special Exception at 309 West Wayne Avenue
Mark Ricker requested a special exception to build a 576-square-foot detached garage on his residential property. The commission reviewed the plans to ensure compatibility with neighborhood character and zoning rules.
Signage Variance for River of God Fellowship Church
River of God Fellowship Church sought permission to keep an unpermitted freestanding sign that helps community members and school families find their bilingual services. The board approved the sign after confirming it doesn't block views and adding safety requirements for anchoring.
West Ward Residential Conversions and Parking
Residents and council members raised concerns about converting single-family homes into multi-unit apartments in the West Ward, highlighting severe street parking shortages and neighborhood fabric degradation.
Board of Health Parking Permit Denials
Council reviewed Board of Health parking permit denial processes and discussed adding explanatory criteria to application forms to improve transparency.
Hotel and Motel Rental Registration Code Amendment
Council is considering closing a loophole that exempts hotels and motels from regular rental inspection programs, requiring them to register and undergo routine safety checks.
Group Home Zoning Appeal at 236 Vista Dr.
An investor sought variances to house six foster girls in a semi-detached home, highlighting a conflict between state child welfare goals and local zoning rules.
Proposed Six-Story Mixed-Use Building at 70 North 4th Street
A developer is seeking multiple variances for a proposed 6-story building with 34 apartments and commercial space, sparking intense debate among board members and experts over building footprints, density, and neighborhood compatibility.
Residential Driveway Paving Limits at 800 Seitz St.
Homeowners requested permission to pave over 56% of their residential lot for extra parking, but city rules cap impervious surfaces at 50%. After agreeing they could trim the project to fit within the rules, the board denied the oversized plan.
Downtown Mixed-Use Building Footprint Variance
A developer received approval to build a 6-story mixed-use apartment and retail building at 517-519 Northampton St., overcoming board hesitation regarding its large footprint compared to neighboring properties.
Springbrook Watercourse Relocation and Floodplain Development
Developers proposed relocating the Springbrook stream and building a roadway and retention basins in the floodplain to support a warehouse project, raising concerns about flooding, environmental safety, and compliance with zoning rules.
Planning and Codes Department Restructuring
Council members debated whether to separate the planning and codes departments and how the new Chief Planner/Zoning Officer position should report, leading to a decision to table the job description for committee review.