Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Easton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Planning Commission Member Compensation
Commissioners agreed to add a discussion on proposing member compensation under the Municipal Planning Code due to increasing workloads and responsibilities.
Police Community Advocacy
Easton Police are embedding community advocates right on their staff to help people dealing with homelessness and mental health crises. It's a fresh way local law enforcement is teaming up with social services to tackle tough street-level problems.
State Minimum Wage Increase Resolution
Councilman Pintabone highlighted a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to raise the state's minimum wage, which has remained stagnant since 2009.
Amusement Tax on Arcade Machines
A downtown arcade owner spoke out against a $100 per machine annual amusement tax, arguing it unfairly burdens small businesses operating skill and video games. City leaders expressed willingness to review and potentially reform the outdated tax structure.
Public Concerns Over Development Standards and Public Space
Residents and local architects testified during public comment about the impact of large-scale downtown developments, utility obstructions on sidewalks, and the need for comprehensive neighborhood planning.
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.
Law Enforcement and Noise
Downtown Easton's booming growth is bringing more noise and late-night crowds, prompting local police to look at tougher enforcement. If you hang out downtown, you can expect new rules and policies on how noise complaints are handled.
Animal Regulations
Easton just updated its pet shop rules, banning the sale of even more animals within city limits. If you were planning to buy certain pets locally, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Light Pollution
Easton's Environmental Advisory Council is cracking down on light pollution, which means local businesses and the city might soon have to change how they light up the night.
Park Renovation
Easton just opened up its newly renovated Vanderveer Park, giving everyone a fresh spot to hang out and play. It's a major upgrade for neighborhood recreation that you'll definitely want to check out.
LGBTQ+ affirmation resolution
Easton just passed a resolution officially declaring itself an LGBTQ+-affirming city, showing a clear local commitment to inclusivity and rights. It's a major win for local visibility and sets a welcoming tone for everyone living or moving there.
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.
State of the City Address
Easton's mayor gave his State of the City speech, focusing on new development and a positive vibe for the town's future. It's a quick look at where the city is headed and what projects are currently in motion.
Liquor License Approval
Easton City Council just approved a new liquor license for a local restaurant, which means a fresh spot to grab a drink is opening up in the neighborhood soon. It's a quick win for local dining options and nightlife.
Police Oversight
Easton's police chief dropped body-cam footage of a local official's assault arrest to defend his officers against rising public heat. It's a bold move to prove transparency, but it definitely stirs the pot regarding privacy and police power.
Hydropower Lease
Easton's mayor just shared an update on the Hugh Moore Park hydropower lease, which is set to shake up local energy and park resources. It's a big deal for how we power our town and take care of our favorite green spaces.