At the March 17 Northampton Borough Council meeting, borough Solicitor Brian Panella cautioned council members about the idea of turning a Laubach Avenue property into a borough tourist center.

The property in question has reportedly had troubles regarding an absentee landlord, which allegedly led to a rat infestation that has since been resolved.

As the borough was discussing this property months ago, the idea was mentioned for the borough to take over the neglected property via eminent domain and transform it into a tourist center.

Council members have been discussing adding a tourist center in addition to plans to refurbish Canal Street Park, further develop business community communications and highlight the borough’s civic activities.

In the March 17 hearing of persons present agenda item, Victor Rodite, of the borough’s planning commission, gave a presentation about the borough’s comprehensive plan, urging council to review it for possible updates. When Rodite heard the possible eminent domain suggestion, he said, as a planning commission member, he could support the idea after it is thoroughly vetted.

Panella shared with council it may be costly to subject the property to the eminent domain process. He noted judges do not like to take private property away from a property owner to give it to a government without showing “good cause” for the seizure. The eminent domain process could take six months to complete.

Panella suggested a cost/benefit analysis be pursued, noting the borough would be responsible for potentially costly improvements to the property. He said he always had a concern of unknown costs associated with that property.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said the building has been idle for about two years.

“The building would have to be gutted and may not be fixable,” he said.

Panella also noted the building is on a flood plain. If the borough demolished it, finding a developer who would build a replacement structure might be difficult because of the flood plain status.

Mayor Tony Pristash originally supported looking into transforming the Laubach Avenue site into a tourist center but reported he has reservations after hearing about these issues and potential costs.

In other business, Pristash reported he met with Discover Lehigh Valley. His hope is to raise Northampton’s profile. He felt the group could make and post videos on its website promoting Northampton. Discover Lehigh Valley’s mission is “strengthening Lehigh Valley’s economy through tourism, while enhancing quality of life and regional pride.”

Council, at Panella’s request, tabled any action on the ordinance he is drafting regarding the regulation of short-term rental units within the borough. Panella noted this is a complex ordinance that will probably go in effect in January 2023.

Council also approved the borough’s fire police participation at a concession stand during two upcoming IronPigs games at Coca-Cola Park in April. This is a fundraising effort by the fire police.

Councilwoman Judy Kutzler noted the next health board meeting is 7 p.m. March 29 in the municipal building. She also reported the fire department, via a grant, purchased a utility truck the department intends to refurbish.

Councilwoman Judy Hallman said an egg-filling event will take place 5:30 p.m. April 6 in the borough’s municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. She noted this is to prepare for the borough’s egg hunt, set for 11 a.m. April 9 at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue.

Hallman said 2022 swimming pool passes will be available for purchase at the Northampton Recreation Center, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive, beginning May 1.

Councilman Ronald Glassic said the storm that hit the borough March 12 was handled expertly by the borough’s public works crew. Glassic also said park and pool preparation is right around the corner, as public works enters its busy season.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is 7:30 p.m. April 7 at the borough’s municipal building. It is a workshop meeting and in person only.