Easton News

A new citizen-led nonprofit has officially launched in Easton, bringing together residents and community advocates concerned about rapid downtown development, preservation standards and public access to planning decisions.

A rainy Memorial Day weekend forecast is forcing some schedule changes across the Lehigh Valley, but several of the region’s biggest annual events say they’re moving forward — rain or shine.

Straight No Chaser will perform at the theater at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5. And the stage play "Waitress" at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16.

Planning and Codes Director Dwayne Tillman said records dating to a 1977 certificate of occupancy consistently identified the Hotel Hampton property as a hotel and not a rooming or boarding house.

A Northampton County Councilwoman last week accused former county Executive Lamont McClure of trying to pressure her to vote for a 20-year special taxing district that could have sent $26 million in public funding to a project to turn the former Dixie Cup factory into housing.

The developer behind the Dixie Cup project was seeking a 20-year agreement that could have generated about $26 million.

Former residents and several people close to the fire department described years of deteriorating conditions and limited enforcement inside the Hotel Hampton, including blocked or missing exits, rodent infestations, malfunctioning or ignored smoke alarms and more.

The iconic Dixie Cup structure is set to be restored as part of Skyline Investment Group’s plans to turn the long-vacant industrial site into more than 400 apartments.

Bob Brooks, a Democratic candidate running for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, has asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed against him by Carol Wiley, his former mother-in-law. She alleges he owes her more than $162,000 from a lawsuit she filed in 2018.

The Hotel Hampton boarding house had not undergone fire inspections since at least 2017, despite a history of code violations, fire alarm problems and prior safety concerns, according to a newly completed federal investigation.

David Collins will take on the new job next month, overseeing plans to keep the jail safe and secure.

The former judge is running in May's Democratic primary, hoping to unseat incumbent Terry Houck.

While the S&P report noted that Easton has a “weak economy,” based on market value per capita, projected effective buying income and unemployment rate, among other factors, it also recognized the positive impact of ongoing development activity on city revenue.

Jeff Warren, a former city council member who also served on Hanover Township's board of supervisors, is running to represent District 3 on Northampton County Council.

Sit-down dining and over-the-counter food on the menu for Easton Restaurant Week, starting Jan. 15.

In December, Northampton County Council adopted an ordinance placing new restrictions on County Executive Lamont McClure's plans for a clinic treating county employees. After Thursday night's vote, it's set to go into effect.

Jeffrey Young, former chair and a longtime mentor of Brett's, will continue on the board as member.

After Easton Space Fest was canceled due to weather in 2019, the organizers are coming back with something even bigger for the spring.

Incumbent Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and Easton City Council member Peter Melan said they both plan to run for the office in 2023.

Need continues to grow for emergency food services. With the end of pandemic-era benefits and inflation still not letting up, demand is higher than ever, according to food pantry managers.

A popular music venue that offered national touring acts in downtown Easton for the past five and a half years is closing. It will have its final show on Saturday — an open-to-the-public New Year's Eve party with Loudmix and DJ June.

Activities are scheduled throughout Saturday at The Crayola Experience on Centre Square in Downtown Easton.