North Catasauqua Borough Council drew a large crowd of residents to the first regular meeting of the month April 4.

Many of those in attendance came to voice their objections to a zoning decision made recently about the former Russian Orthodox church, 1021 Fifth St.

The owner of the property requested the zoning of the property be changed to allow for the building to be converted into four one-bedroom apartment units. Those who live around the property are concerned that adding four units onto the block will exacerbate a reportedly already difficult parking shortage and change the character of the neighborhood. They also expressed concern that the out-of-town landlord will not take proper care of the property and alleged that the owner only intends to flip the property for a profit.

During the March 22 hearing, the zoning hearing board decided to allow the zoning change and the 13 other variances requested by the property owner, but the board has yet to issue a final decision in writing.

At the April 4 meeting, the meeting attendees reported 23 residents who live in the neighborhood surrounding the property were present at that zoning hearing. They said they did not feel their concerns were appropriately considered by the zoning hearing board.

Marty Hacker, a resident, asked if there is any way for council to stop the zoning change from happening. Borough Solicitor Steven Goudsouzian explained that once an official decision has been written, residents of the borough can appeal the decision to the Northampton County courthouse in Easton, which would start a legal process and the final decision would be deferred to a judge.

Goudsouzian also explained the borough can interfere and take an official position on the matter and become a litigant in the appeal. However, none of that can happen until a final written decision is made by the zoning hearing board.

Council President Peter Paone explained the borough has no legal authority to stop developers from making these kinds of zoning changes but added some municipal officials are in the process of changing zoning ordinances regionally through the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan.

North Catasauqua and several surrounding municipalities came together in 2019 to develop a joint comprehensive plan that would unify their efforts to set and reach long-term development goals for the region. Paone said the group plans to have a draft completed by the end of this year, with adoption of the plan expected in 2023.

In other business, Boy Scout Timothy Cline came before council to thank officials for allowing him to advertise around the borough for his March 26 food drive and use North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park as a collection site. Cline said he collected more than 6,000 food items across several locations in Catasauqua and North Catasauqua to benefit Catasauqua Community Food Bank. Reportedly, more than 2,000 items were collected at the North Catasauqua park.

After the project is reviewed by the Boy Scouts of America, Cline could be granted the rank of Eagle Scout.

Lo-ammi del Villar and Penny Kaufman, co-owners of EM3 Strength and Conditioning, came before council to request an official barricade just outside of their facility on Penn Street, between Witt Street and Howertown Road, during a special outdoor fitness event May 21. They only requested the barrier for an eight-hour window during the event.

Council said it would allow the barricade, pending an inspection of the location by police Chief Chris Wolfer to ensure the barricade will not interfere with any residences.

Council filled a vacancy on the planning commission during the April 4 meeting. After some consideration during an executive session, council chose George Hillenbrand to fill the empty seat.

Hillenbrand is retired but has been involved in real estate over the past 30 years and has worked with several community organizations in Catasauqua and North Catasauqua. Currently, he is president of the board of the Catasauqua Public Library.

Hillenbrand said he is interested in helping the borough move forward while still remaining “small Town USA,” adding he supports developments like the D&L Trail and the River Central multimunicipal group.