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.

Although hospital officials say a change in location for medevac helicopter access is crucial during building of a new facility at the Anderson campus, some residents think there are more adjustments to be made.

With residents packing council chambers, Easton's Zoning Hearing Board denied a proposal for a nine building, 412-unit apartment facility near the Forks Township border.

Easton Yoga's "A Night of Ecstatic Music and Kirtan," set for Sept. 21, will feature music from Seán Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, with proceeds going toward child mindfulness programs.

Friends of the Easton Cemetery and the West Ward Community Initiative are hosting Community Day at Easton Cemetery this Saturday, with tours, activities and food for all.

The annual Lehigh Valley Polo for Equi-librium will take place at Braden Airpark on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Following the approval of two contracts for solid waste and recycling disposal, Easton officials are warning rates for residents could increase due to hauling costs.

Easton City residents can recycle their old, outdated electronics and appliances at 500 Bushkill Drive this Saturday. Most items can be recycled for free, while some others require a small fee.

Thanks to contributions from over 200 individuals and organizations, victims of the May 29 Ferry Street fire have been provided with over $67,200 in funding to help them recover.

Easton's Redevelopment Authority recommended approving variances on a former church they intend to transform into affordable housing during the city's Wednesday planning commission meeting.

The Lehigh Valley child care centers already have long waitlists, staffing shortages and high costs.

Bruce Frassinelli, 84, worked more than 25 years at The Express in Easton. He left in 1992 to become publisher of a newspaper in Oswego, N.Y. He died early Wednesday at his home in North Whitehall Township.

Easton Area School District will begin issuing digital report cards for elementary students this school year, starting in the second semester when they will introduce the concept to parents.