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.

First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union soon will open an education center at Easton's Neighborhood Center to help residents in need of advice.

Wilson borough solicitor and private attorney Stanley Margle III waived a preliminary hearing on drug possession charges Thursday, April 24.

In an effort to free up parking for residents, Easton City Council has introduced an ordinance which would provide permits to park for residents in the area of Bushkill Drive.

Palmer Township's Board of Supervisors granted approval to a preliminary land development plan for a new Rutter's convenience store at their Monday meeting.

"The Book of Mormon," which has grossed nearly $1billion, making it one of the most successful musicals of all time, will return to the theater for three performances Sept. 27-28.

Easton's new sustainability coordinator has launched an email for residents to direct their ideas and concerns about sustainability in the city.

Brandon Sullivan recently was hired as Easton's first sustainability coordinator. It's the third of the Lehigh Valley's major cities to carve out a position dedicated to mitigating the effects of climate change.

Missing Palmer Township teen Enci "Aubrey" Wu has been found in Georgia, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta announced Tuesday.

Easton's Historic District Commission approved revised plans for the demolition and reconstruction of the McDonald's on Larry Holmes Drive at their Monday meeting.

Despite an initial attempt that was shot down, Easton City Councilwoman Taiba Sultana is pushing for a Welcoming City ordinance, and the community appears to support her idea.

It is the second time the township has been awarded trees through TreePennsylvania’s Bare Root Tree grant program. The statewide nonprofit supports urban and community forestry to increase tree coverage.

The women's boutique is located at 140 C Northampton Street in downtown Easton.