North Catasauqua Borough Council voted to approve the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan and to adopt the resolution during the Aug. 7 meeting.

The plan aims to improve future developments in the boroughs of North Catasauqua, Catasauqua and Northampton and the townships of East Allen and Hanover, Lehigh County. Expected improvements will include affordable housing, transportation and future economic development.

The River Central representatives will continue to work with the borough’s planning commission on future developments. A representative for the comprehensive plan was present during the meeting and said the team has received great community engagement and feedback for this plan. After working on this process for two and a half years, the team is looking forward to the future with this plan.

In other news, a resident raised some concerns over rental properties throughout the borough. The resident explained one of the neighboring homes by his property was occupied by renters who failed to maintain the property’s grass and a pond in the front yard, causing a mosquito infestation that impacted the entire neighborhood. He further explained the landlord was absent, forcing the resident to take matters into his own hands by contacting the state with multiple complaints.

The resident explained emergency services had also been called to the scene due to disturbances caused by this occupancy. He thanked the borough for this service; however, emergency services are limited in what they can do, and the real change must come from the council, he said.

Council President Peter Paone said he understood where the resident was coming from, as he also lives near a renter’s property and experienced similar occurrences. He further explained the borough is trying to regain control over these properties by updating the rental ordinance and enforcing more inspections.

Borough Secretary Tasha Jandrisovits said the borough is limited in some fashion, but once a property gets to this level, it is on everyone’s radar to get it addressed. She encouraged all residents to approach council when a matter is happening within the community.

Moving forward with business, council voted to hold another Responsible Recycling Services event 9-11 a.m. Sept. 9 and will be open to North Catasauqua Borough residents only. More information on the location and details are to follow.

North Catasauqua will also be participating in the Hometown Heroes banner program. This would apply to veterans who participated in the U.S. Armed Forces throughout history.

Banners will feature a photo of the veteran, his or her status and any medals earned. The banners will be displayed throughout the borough. There is a $180 fee per banner, and an application form can be found at northcatasauqua.org under the news section.

North Catasauqua council will next meet 7 p.m. Aug. 21 in the basement-level meeting room at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St. The agenda can be found on the borough’s website under the news section and will be made available before the meeting.