The large crowds gathering at Canal Street Park for family picnics on weekends came under fire at the Aug. 6 Northampton Borough Council meeting when a representative of St. Peter and Paul Society, based out of Hungarian Hall, asked for relief from the borough for alleged behavior of some of those families attending the picnics.

Frank Garger reported most of the people present for the picnics come from out of state, citing numerous New Jersey and New York license plates on their vehicles. He said the conduct of some of these families at the picnics warranted borough intervention.

Garger said the public use of the park pavilion, which is north of the reported large-family gatherings, requires a borough permit for its use. That is not the case at the lower end of park, which is across Canal Street from the Hungarian club.

Garger reported seeing one individual naked at one of the picnics and bathing suits tossed on the ground. He noted refuse, including beer bottles and other containers, are being left there. He also added obscenities from some of those at the picnics can be heard at Hungarian Hall.

Garger recommended council take action sooner rather than later.

Attorney Brian Panella, council for the borough, replied the borough is reviewing the situation regarding the use of the area for picnics. Panella did not elaborate on what, if any, recommendations will come forth at future council meetings.

Panella was the only one who addressed the issue, as the council members remained silent.

At a previous council meeting, Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. assailed the actions of some of the families who come to the park, mainly on Sundays. He said along with foul language used, beer cans, liquor bottles and other trash left behind are not acceptable in the borough.