Northampton Borough Council will hold a much-anticipated public meeting on the projected Dry Run Creek restoration project 6:45 p.m. Oct. 1 in the borough council chambers, 1401 Laubach Ave.

The stream project is expected to eliminate erosion and other factors that affect the creek, located in the lower section of Fourth Street in the borough.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said residents in a housing development nearby have received notices from the borough indicating they are invited to be present at the public hearing. If there are more than 25 people, including members of borough council, the meeting will be moved to the Municipal Park pavilion, Laubach Avenue and Smith Lane, to adhere to Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

Several residents living close to the Dry Run Creek appeared before borough officials earlier, complaining of damage to their homes caused by two heavy summer storms, which caused the creek to overflow its banks. The borough had reported earlier the damage sustained would be borne by the homeowners, not the borough.

The mitigation project at Dry Run Creek, when completed, should prevent flooding of the area. For the most part, Dry Run Creek is virtually dry except for when heavier rainfalls are expected.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. said, during an earlier council meeting, it was ironic Dry Run Creek is a major project funded by a $200,000 grant from the state, whereas the Atlas Dam was ordered demolished several years ago, causing the Hokendauqua Creek to turn gray from the demolition of the dam and endangering wildlife and fish in the stream. Councilman Edward Pany said, at that time, the century-old dam could stand for another 100 years, with its removal unwarranted.

Gilmore and Associates, the engineering company for the project, will preside at the public hearing. Brobst said the borough will provide in-kind services for the project. Gilmore will complete the bid specifications and have the project go out for bidding following the public hearing.