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.

Myers, who in January became the first Black person to serve as council president, accused County Executive Lamont McClure of political maneuvering to force him from office.

The fireworks display for Easton's Heritage Day festival has been moved from the waterfront to Hackett Park in order to allow more time for the fest and better views for spectators, according to Mayor Sal Panto Jr.

Eight rescue dogs will perform a variety of circus-like tricks in a family-friendly performance Sunday, April 30 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts.

Despite the close proximity to legal recreational marijuana in Phillipsburg, Easton has not experienced any tangible negative effects with law enforcement.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. held an introductory meeting for the new Neighborhood Advisory Task Force, which will involve residents in weighing in on what needs to be addressed in their communities.

The proposed amendment to Northampton County's administrative code would expand an existing ban on county officials accepting gifts.

Joshua Rifkin will be in residence at Lafayette College for the 2023-24 academic year to help mark the 40th anniversary of Williams Center for the Arts.

The Northampton County DA's office announced Tuesday its most recent gun buyback brought in more than 200 guns, including a submachine gun.

The Easton Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance request that will allow for the construction of a 27-unit apartment and retail building on Northampton Street in the Downtown area.

Bethlehem Township commissioners questioned the property's proposed uses. The nearly 10-acre site at William Penn Highway and Bethman Road used to be the offices of John Frinzi Realtors.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

An organ transplant recipient and the donor’s Lehigh Valley family are sharing their experience in order to encourage others to become organ donors. April is National Donate Life Month.