Easton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Easton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Church Street Vacation Proposal
The city is considering officially vacating a portion of Church Street, which could change local traffic flow or property boundaries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trolley Farmers Market Pilot Success and Expansion
The four-week pilot program for the Easton Main Street trolley successfully connected the West Ward, South Side, and downtown with strong ridership and local business partnerships, prompting an extension with bridge funding and bank sponsorship.
Business Privilege Tax Utility Exemption Dispute
A local landlord questioned why Easton's business privilege tax does not exempt pass-through utility costs for tenants, citing state law and city code.
Urban Heat and Air Quality Monitoring Project
Easton is partnering with Community Bike Works and Penn State on a $16,000 grant-funded project using bike-mounted sensors to track heat islands and air pollutants like particulate matter across the city.
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.
Trolley Pilot Program and Community Transportation
The city is launching a pilot trolley program in partnership with West Ward Community Initiatives and the Farmers Market to connect the West Ward and South Side to downtown.
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.
Health Bureau Tiered Inspection System
The Health Bureau proposed a two-tier inspection system to differentiate between non-potentially hazardous and standard food inspections.
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.
West Ward Handicap Parking and Parking Shortage
Council debated adding a fourth handicap parking space on Washington Street, raising concerns about parking shortages and lack of data on existing spaces in the West Ward.
Historic Preservation
Easton locals are pushing back against rapid downtown development to protect the city's historic vibe. City leaders are stuck in the middle, trying to figure out how to grow without losing the neighborhood's unique character.
South Side Edible Walkway Project
Council expressed strong support for the South Side Edible Walkway project, which connects local gardens and promotes food access and community walkability.