Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Easton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.