A resident approached North Catasauqua Borough Council at the April 18 meeting regarding real estate.

The resident said he has worked in the real estate industry for 24 years.

“North Catty and Catty are the cheapest places to live outside of Allentown,” he said, adding a studio apartment in Allentown costs more than $1,600, a one-bedroom apartment costs more than $2,000, and a two-bedroom apartment’s monthly rent is more than $2,600. He added a single-family home could cost more than $300,000.

The resident noted a person working at local department stores are paid about $15 per hour and cannot afford a $300,000 house.

“These folks have to rent,” he said.

The resident added the implications of current moderate real estate prices in North Catasauqua could attract people with monetary means who will purchase properties to transform them into multifamily rental dwellings. This will bring outsiders into the borough with no connections to the community and will increase traffic congestion, he said.

He said he further expects there might be six to eight families moving into one building.

The resident said he wants to make council aware of the real estate situation and where it might lead - a pronounced renter increase in the borough.

He also expressed alarm that, in his mind, zoning laws are not being firmly enforced.

The resident said that settled, longtime residents in the borough are asking council to enforce zoning laws. He implored council to honor residents’ request for increase control of zoning laws.

“How can you stop this? Stick with the zoning laws,” he advised council.

Another resident asked council to heed his remarks because, in her mind, North Catasauqua does not need additional traffic and less open space.

“The traffic would be tremendous with too many apartments,” she noted. “Our kids need space for hopscotch and jump rope.”

The resident asked how the zoning hearing board members are selected. She was informed board members are appointed by borough council, and they receive training on zoning matters. It was pointed out the borough experiences difficulty filling seats on the zoning hearing board.

In other business, the police report included 365 calls for the month of March. Arrests included simple assault, public drunkenness and harassment.

The treasurer’s report included discussion on the costs of the different style portable toilets that can be rented for the park areas for summer activities. Talks continued about how many port-a-potties to rent. It was suggested to possibly rent five.

A discussion ensued about tighter regulations of groups using and renting space at the parks. It was reported a group rented the pavilion over the Easter weekend. They reportedly requested and received permission to have an inflatable item at the event. It was reported the item was very large.

It was also noted there have been times when the community pavilion was rented by a group of unknown size that then chose to leave a mess at the pavilion after the gathering.

It was suggested any pavilion or park rental request for a group of 30 people be regulated via a rental contract. The police can request a head count of a group gathering in the park or pavilion, and if they have an organized group activity of greater than 30 people, they need to pay a rental fee.

If they do not comply with a fee, they should be asked to leave the park.

Another discussion included corner curb cuts installation and increased pavement installation compliance. Like other municipalities, North Catasauqua is attempting to complete federally mandated curb cuts and moving toward adding more pavements for residents to engage in passive exercise, such as walking.

The next borough council meeting is 7 p.m. May 2 at the municipal building, 1066 Fourth St.

It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northcatasauqua.org for the access codes to participate virtually.