At its July 14 meeting, Northampton Borough Council reported on progress made regarding several projects for 2020, including the major pump station construction at the wastewater treatment plant and other events and programs shut down because of the coronavirus.

The borough expects the near-$400,000 project at the sewer plant will begin shortly and be completed by the end of the year.

Northampton Banquet and Event Center remains closed with no projected opening in sight. The facility’s Monday night bingo has also been canceled until further notice.

Other events such as the Northampton Exchange Club fall craft show may also be canceled depending on future guidelines and restrictions from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

The recreation center, on Lerchenmiller Drive, is open by appointment only. The personnel at the center ensure all coronavirus guidelines are being followed, such as the wearing of masks, wiping down of surfaces and social distancing.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst reported that although the pavilions at the borough parks are open to the public by reservations, little response has been noted. The pavilions are located at Canal Street Park, 26th Street Park, Fourth Street Park and Playground and Municipal Park.

It was agreed shutting down the municipal pool still remains a prudent decision. It was reported there are a number of young people swimming in the Lehigh River at an area south of the Cementon Bridge. The borough indicated the river is owned by the commonwealth and not the borough.

Brobst informed council the 2020 street paving in the town’s four wards is ongoing. He mentioned with some temperatures reaching 90 degrees, and close to 100 degrees on the street surface, the hot macadam being applied is reaching temperatures of 200-300 degrees.

The paving crews are attempting to keep pace with the weather while ensuring the safety of the workers performing the jobs. Unlike some municipalities that contract street paving out to private companies, Northampton uses public works personnel to perform such tasks.