Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Easton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Workforce Housing Infill Development on Phillips Street
An owner of four neighboring Philips Street properties wants to add off-street parking pads, but each would be a foot narrower than zoning allows and would sit flush against the property line. If approved, it could add parking options on a tight residential street; neighbors can weigh in at the hearing.
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.
Suspension of Pennsylvania gasoline tax
Council plans to weigh in on Senator Boscola's legislation to temporarily suspend the state gas tax, which affects prices Easton drivers pay at the pump. The resolution urges state lawmakers to act.
2027 Benefits Package for Non-union and Management Employees
The city is restructuring health coverage for ~55 non-union and management employees — moving toward a high-deductible plan and limiting spousal coverage when other employer coverage exists — to control costs that jumped over $3 million this year. Council tabled it, and a bigger city HSA contribution is on the table.
Stormwater detention in Williams Township
A joint project with Williams Township should finally fix chronic flooding near Center and Line Streets — a legacy of I-78 being built without stormwater management. Permits in spring 2027, construction in summer 2027, split 50/50.
Centre Square named a Great Place in Pennsylvania
Centre Square earned a 2026 Great Places in Pennsylvania designation from the American Planning Association — recognition of the square's 250-year role as the heart of downtown.
Buffalo Soldiers burial question at Nesquehoning Street
John Pitts of the Buffalo Soldiers pressed the city on where Buffalo Soldiers once buried near the Nesquehoning Street site were moved, challenging earlier statements that none are buried there. He plans to report back to a national division in Washington.
Proposed 2027 City Budget and Tax Increase
In the pre-council budget hearing, the police chief presented a ~4% increase driven by health insurance and salaries while holding overtime flat despite seven vacancies, and the fire chief presented a flat budget with heavy overtime driven by injuries and military deployments.
Recognition of fallen fire and police members
Starting now, the city will lower flags at City Hall and Centre Square each year to honor the six firefighters and three police officers who died in the line of duty.
Bacon Fest parking revenue shortfall
Parking revenue came in 20-25% under prior years during Bacon Fest — people parked all day rather than turning over spots, and officials are considering raising ticket fines to discourage it. Also considering tapping former part-timers for busy weekends.
$12 million loan via Redevelopment Authority lease-back
The lease-sublease with the RDA refinances a $6 million short-term note due Dec. 31 — and it let the city drop the proposed 1-mil property tax increase for 2027.
Development Agreements & Stormwater Management for Berwick and Centre Streets
Council will consider hiring Colliers Engineering & Design for stormwater detention work in Williams Township — infrastructure aimed at managing runoff and reducing flooding.
Regional Planning and Data Center Zoning Concerns
The proposed zoning amendments add rules for data centers and truck-generating warehouses. Commissioners clashed over the LVPC-recommended single 24-hour noise standard (55 dBA/70 dBC), wanting day/night distinctions and lower limits, plus questions on 80-foot heights, decommissioning bonds, generator rules, and ambient-neighborhood noise measurement.
Fence Height Special Exception – 277-79 West Nesquehoning Street
The meeting sparked a debate about whether six-foot side-yard fences should remain special exceptions or become simpler variances/permitted uses. Members worried that removing the special exception would eliminate neighbor notification, while others noted the commission almost never denies these anyway and the fees differ by district ($350 vs $200).
Comprehensive Zoning & SALDO Amendments
Proposed changes to Easton's zoning and land development rules are up for review. The commission's recommendation goes to City Council, which makes the final call — so this shapes how future development in the city is regulated.
Act 209 transportation impact fee gap
The city can't currently charge developers a transportation impact fee because it lacks an Act 209 plan, which takes about a year and a consultant to prepare. Commissioners want the city engineer's input and discussed whether home rule authority could allow alternative funding mechanisms.
Rezoning 203 North 7th Street and 6903 Bushkill Street from River Corridor to West Ward
Part of the map amendments would move these two North 7th Street parcels out of the River Corridor district into the West Ward district. Staff called it a 2020 mapping error correction; neighbors feared it could enable a developer to tear down an older apartment building and block views, while the property owners themselves said it was a mistake and they're not selling.
Act 209 transportation impact fee gap
The city can't currently charge developers a transportation impact fee because it lacks an Act 209 plan, which takes about a year and a consultant to prepare. Commissioners want the city engineer's input and discussed whether home rule authority could allow alternative funding mechanisms.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Advisory Committee consultation on projects
Councilwoman Zando-Dennis proposed the Environmental Advisory Committee be consulted before any project with environmental impact, similar to how the HDC reviews development — prompted by light-pollution concerns over Friends of Easton's downtown lighting plans. Council generally agreed the advisory input would be welcome.
Larry Holmes Drive pedestrian safety improvements
A South Side resident says removing the northbound right-turn lane onto the Free Bridge has created major backups, sometimes taking two or three light cycles. Council defended the change as a state-required pedestrian safety improvement and pointed to a public works presentation online, urging patience while signal timing is adjusted.
Motorcycle parking ban in city garages
A resident riding 80 mpg motorcycle was told motorcycles can't park in the Third Street deck. City staff explained gate arms and license plate readers can't handle motorcycles, but council agreed to have the public works director study possible accommodations.
Comprehensive Capital Improvements and Infrastructure Review
The council will review several new resolutions including applying for a PennDOT multimodal grant, purchasing a new street sweeper, testing LED lights, and addressing a legal settlement.
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.
Nescohoning Memorial Park Naming Controversy
The park on Nesquehoning Street sits atop a historic Black burial ground tied to the First Colored Lutheran Church. Descendants of those buried there are demanding the "Ketchen-Boyer Memorial Park" name be reversed, and even Clarine Boyer's granddaughter opposes it. Council agreed to meet with the families before Saturday's dedication proceeds.
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.
Planning Commission Procedural Updates & Public Notice Expansion
Commissioners have pushed back on the Zoning Hearing Board granting variances before the Planning Commission reviews a land development application. Staff agreed future applications requiring variances will come to the Planning Commission first.
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.
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.
Davis Street Duplex Conversion Denial
An owner requested variances to convert a single-family house into a duplex, utilizing existing rear parking spaces.
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.
Holiday Free-Parking Trial for Downtown
Councilman Pintabone pitched giving shoppers 30 minutes free at meters outside the Circle during December shopping season. The administration will study it and report back in two weeks.
West Easton Fire and Quick Response Agreement
Easton firefighters will now cover West Easton under a multi-year contract with a 12-month opt-out. Supporters say it's a smart first step toward regionalizing services and saving taxpayer money; skeptics worry about overworking an already stretched fire crew.
City Budget and Water Authority Agreement
The mayor says the budget is still in flux, but a pending deal with Easton Suburban Water Authority could let the city lower or wipe out three budget line items — good news if it keeps a proposed tax increase smaller.
Police Body-Worn Camera Grant Application
The city applied for roughly $1.29 million in LSA and state grants for EMS stretchers and radios, police cameras, fire turnout gear, Knox Avenue improvements and more. That's money that could fund big upgrades without touching your tax bill.
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.
E-Bike Regulation Ordinance Coming
Mayor Panto says he'll bring an e-bike ordinance within two weeks, citing dangerous riding by young kids and safety issues on the Karl Stirner Arts Trail. The state's lack of e-bike oversight was a hot topic at the municipal summit.
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
A College Hill homeowner wants a 576-square-foot detached garage where a parking pad now sits. The planning commission recommended approval, and the Zoning Hearing Board makes the final call.
Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan Consideration
Easton is exploring joining neighboring towns in a regional master plan through the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. City leaders like the idea of sharing the burden for regional issues like warehouses and affordable housing, but want to make sure Easton's specific needs aren't overlooked.
Health Code Fees and Vendor Regulations
Council reviewed proposed changes to special event vendor fees, creating a tiered system based on event size and impact while offering discounts for local Easton businesses.
Winter Village Overhaul and Small Business Support
Easton is cutting down Winter Village vendor huts from over 30 to 12 and raising fees to encourage visitors to explore permanent downtown retail shops instead of staying centered in Center Square. While some council members worry the fee hikes and reduced huts will hurt vendor participation, organizers believe it will drive foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores.
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.
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.