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.

Easton's West Ward finalizing plans to submit for a federal HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant that would give $30-50 million to revitalize neighborhood

A hot, dry July this year slashed yields for many Lehigh Valley farmers this year, just as prices for fertilizer hit all-time highs. Now, Northampton County is offering help them implement new practices that could let them use less.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission projects the population in the Lehigh Valley will grow by 100,000 by 2050.

Northampton County and Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity spent a combined $1.3 million on land for 50 new houses in response to families in need.

Northampton County has joined nearly 200 other counties in the nation that participate in the Hidden Heroes program started by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Restaurants and small businesses are giving veterans free food, drinks and discounts this year to celebrate Veterans Day.

There is now a holiday ornament available of the Mount Vernon Hotel, a local Easton landmark.

Joe Emrick appears to lead the 137th District race. Anna Thomas is the Democratic challenger to Republican incumbent Joe Emrick.

Senate candidate Mehmet Oz will hold a get-out-the-vote rally with House candidate Lisa Scheller in Bethlehem Township on Sunday.

This week, the LehighValleyNews.com digital desk has handpicked three events for you to enjoy, including the play "Odysseus" by Touchstone Theatre, Bacon Fest and "All Hands Hold" at the Bradbury-Sullivan Center.

At its Wednesday budget hearing, Northampton County Council looked for ways to draw more workers to the Juvenile Justice Center — that don't involve raising wages.

Weekly neighborhood West Ward Market sees success and shares plans to return in 2023. Organizers value inclusivity with ideas for every age group from tots to seniors.