Easton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Easton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Utility shutoff affordability
A resident found a $113 Met-Ed shutoff bill on a free bench and warned council that more residents can't afford rent or electric. The mayor pointed to existing assistance programs and offered to connect people with resources.
Streetlight Upgrades to LED Luminaires
JCP&L installed harsh 4000K LED streetlights that lit up bedrooms like stadium lights. The utility now agrees to swap in warmer 3000K fixtures; council wants to see what's being installed before signing off.
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.
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.
Street sweeper condition and purchase
The city's current street sweeper's vacuum isn't working — Councilwoman Rose watched it just push debris around on College Avenue. Council approved buying a new Stewart AMOS S4C sweeper and the mayor agreed to ask the public works director about the old one's limited use.
GWG Rock LLC Northampton Street development settlement
A six-story mixed-use building on three vacant, blighted lots near Fifth and Northampton was blocked when the zoning board tied on variances. The settlement adds the required common amenity space and lets the project move forward — council members voiced support.
Church Street Vacation Proposal
The city is considering officially vacating a portion of Church Street, which could change local traffic flow or property boundaries.
Friends of Easton Scott Park and Confluence Falls lighting
The volunteer group wants to light the Scott Park trail and project programmable images onto Confluence Falls — about $460,000, all privately raised, gifted to the city. Council raised dark-sky, bird-migration, and police-patrol concerns but was broadly warm to the ideas.
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.
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 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.
Third Street Lane Removal and Traffic Backups
A contractor quietly removed the right-turn lane into Third Street, causing traffic backups. Council wants a full explanation of the bump-out plan at the next committee meeting.
Downtown Holiday Lighting Funding and Maintenance
Council members reviewed a contract for holiday tree lighting downtown and debated whether taxpayers should continually fund installations and repairs for what started as a private project.
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.