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 attorney Jeremy Clark will run for a seat on the Northampton County bench.

Easton City Council approved an amendment to the parking code which would allow for handicapped spots in several residential sections of the downtown district during Wednesday's meeting.

“While the decision to close was a difficult one, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the family-owned business,” a release said of the decision to wind down operations at Easton Public Market.

Easton City Council discussed adopting an attendance policy that could penalize officials for missing council or committee meetings, with all but one council member in support.

FOP Washington Lodge #17, representing Easton Police Department officers, announced the approval of a new four-year contract with the city, set to be settled with council on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

A hearing for a developer seeking variances to turn a former Crayola site in Palmer Township into 94 apartments was continued following more than two hours of testimony from expert witnesses.

Northampton County prosecutor Robert Eyer announced Tuesday that he's running to join the county's Court of Common Pleas.

Easton Councilman Frank Pintabone has called on the city's mayor and administrators to set up a meeting with Met-Ed to discuss issues with the city's electric grid, spurred by a series of small blackouts over the weekend.

The passenger died and the driver was hospitalized after the early-morning crash Sunday at William Penn Highway and Chipman Road in Bethlehem Township. Police said the vehicle left the road and hit trees.

Easton's Nurture Nature Center is searching for stargazers to join in the Hubble Night Sky Observing Challenge, where participants look out for some of the spectacles the legendary telescope has photographed.

An upscale dive bar? What's that? Presley's Cocktail Bar plans to answer that question this February when they launch a new, comfortable spot to grab a cheap but well made mixed drink.

Easton hair stylist Stephen Flowers only has one wish for his birthday: Providing a fresh haircut and a hot meal to homeless people in need.