At a special Aug. 24 public meeting of Catasauqua Borough Council, Ryan Dunn and Andy Twiggar, principals of Dunn Twiggar Real Estate Development Company, presented two concept drawings of the proposed Iron Works project.

Council President Vincent Smith opened the meeting by sharing his excitement. Smith noted there are many moving parts to this project. He said he desired a special meeting so council members and the public could ask questions about the project.

Dunn noted Dunn Twiggar managed other public and private development projects successfully throughout the last 15 years. The local company touts itself as a full service real estate development corporation, he said.

Dunn further explained they have been working on the Iron Works project with the borough for about three years.

Twiggar introduced the concepts and fielded questions from council and residents. He said they expect to keep council and the public informed of what is occurring step by step as the project development proceeds.

If approved, the 10.6-acre Iron Works brownfield area will have upscale town houses and apartments, adequate parking and mixed-use properties for small businesses, green spaces and office spaces.

Twiggar expects the town houses and apartments to be developed first because of current market conditions. He did mention plans can change based on business conditions.

It is expected to take five years to complete the project development.

Councilman Cameron Smith expressed gratitude for the work and is happy to see parks planned in the development. Cameron Smith said he looks forward to working with Dunn and Twiggar as the project moves forward.

“Keeping the historical buildings is important and we want to create tax revenue for the borough,” noted Councilman Brian McKittrick in support of the project.

Councilman Gene Schlegel asked about the two-way traffic on Front Street. Dunn reported they favor two-way streets, which increase activities in the downtown area. Solicitor Joseph Dinkelacker said, based on his experience, two-way streets help slow down traffic.

Schlegel raised the issue of not having enough parking, particularly accessible parking.

Dinkelacker pointed out, “During the development process, council has the ability to shift parking.”

He said accessible parking is an important consideration that can be addressed during the initial planning stages.

Dunn explained Dunn Twiggar will address any and all concerns and ideas council may have.

It was thoroughly explained by Vincent Smith, Dinkelacker and McKittrick that there will be upscale apartments and no low-income apartments in the project area.

McKittrick noted Catasauqua has an abundance of moderate- to low-income apartments.

Borough Manager Steven Travers announced a $466,000 grant is forthcoming for the site’s development. Vincent Smith stated more than $3.5 million in grant money has now been awarded for the Iron Works project.

The next step is for council to approve the agreement of sale for the Iron Works property to Dunn Twigger for $650,000.

The council vote is expected at council’s September or October meeting.