During the May 20 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, Atty. Joseph Fitzpatrick addressed council about the Pearl Street proposed development. Fitzpatrick represented Ben Hoffman of Greenwood Builders.

The proposed development is for 12 townhomes on Pearl Street, between 12th and 14th streets. According to Fitzpatrick, no zoning variances are needed to proceed, but he did have some requests for council.

The first was for preliminary and final subdivision and land development plan approval. The second request was for subdivision and land development ordinances (SALDO) variance waivers for a number of items such as sidewalks, street dimensions, driveway radius size, lot depth ratio and recreational land. Council approved both requests.

Fitzpatrick’s third request was to vacate a portion of 13th Street from Pearl Street to north of the adjacent property owned by Tammi Hauser, subject to a 15-foot-wide nonexclusive easement agreement. It was noted the approximate 237-foot paper street is not used for any vehicular traffic. Approving the request to vacate would ensure the road would not be used by the borough but would be available for the property owner and/or Hauser to use to access their properties. The board approved the request.

Councilman Eugene Schlegel requested the developer inform the Catasauqua Borough Shade Tree Commission about any trees it is planning to plant on the property. Fitzpatrick said that would not be a problem.

Sean O’Boyle, a Catasauqua resident, shared his concern about all of the developing projects in the borough, including the new homes on 14th Street and this Pearl Street development and the toll it might take on the community.

“The area had nothing but now will have a lot,” O’Boyle said. “It seems excessive.”

In other business, Mayor Barbara Schlegel swore in Steve Parr as a new part-time police officer. She also noted the department is expecting the addition of another new officer, and, with the shuffling around of some other officers, it has helped with coverage. Treasurer Catherine VanDyne reported police overtime has been down for the last two payrolls.

Solicitor Charles Smith reported changes were made to the schedule of fees to adjust a number of miscellaneous fees, such as for water shut-off, a roll-off container, health license reinspections, water meter testing and more. Council approved the changes.

It was also reported the Civil Service Commission revamped its rules and regulations. According to Smith, the big change was regarding the hiring of a police chief. Previously, the borough had to go through the Civil Service Commission, but the changes would allow for council to use its discretion.

Smith noted this change allows for more flexibility and better aligns with the borough code. This flexibility will allow the borough to decide on a case-by-case basis whether to go through the Civil Service Commission or not.

The vote was tabled until the June meeting to allow all the council members time to read through all of the new rules and regulations.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick, of Remington and Vernick Engineers, presented an overview on some of the ongoing projects in the borough. She noted the Bridge Street Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund grant project needed an updated conceptual plan for the Howertown Road to American Street section. The plan was made available for council to review.

She also noted Walnut, Milton and Green streets are on the docket for mill overlay and update as part of the 2024 Liquid Fuels road program. The borough inflow and infiltration project is also planned to be rebid June 6. The preconstruction meeting is scheduled for the Race Street parking lot project.

Wastewater treatment plan projects are set for bid openings, including the operations building roof replacement, the influent pump and trickling filter replacement. The plant’s generator replacement project has stalled while they wait for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation approval, so council approved a payment certificate for stored materials.

Work is continuing on the Iron Works streetscapes project. According to Nedrick, they are preparing environmental documents. They received clearance that no endangered species would be affected and are waiting on other environmental clearances. The identification of a preferred developer for the Iron Works site is expected in July.

During the hearing of persons present agenda item, council noted an ordinance compliance complaint from a resident and will have code enforcement investigate the matter. The same resident asked why the snack stand will not be open during the concerts. Council cited a safety concern as the building reportedly needs a lot of electrical and structural work.

Council also approved overflow parking at the firefighters training grounds and George Taylor House for a resident having an estate auction for her late father’s equipment. Her father owned a motorcycle shop, and she wanted to ensure there was enough parking for the event, which was expected to have taken place May 26.

Another resident requested the digital speed limit signage be moved from the area in front of Sheckler Elementary School on 14th Street to Pine Street once school is done for the year. Council President Howard Cunningham said he would share the request with the borough manager.

Council members voted to close the borough office July 5. Employees will use their paid time off for the day.

Council members voted to approve the resignation of Bernie Skripek from the zoning hearing board, leaving a vacancy. There are also two openings on the planning commission.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel reported the last neighborhood yard sale raised about $340 for the police department’s K-9 unit. She also reported there will be a special liberty tree planted at the George Taylor House June 15.

Councilman Eugene Schlegel reported the summer concert series started May 24 at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St.

Catasauqua Borough Council meets 6 p.m. June 3 for committee meetings and 7 p.m. June 17 for the monthly business meeting. Meetings are held at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.