Emmaus Borough Council moved swiftly through its agenda Oct. 21 where council members reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting, held Oct. 7.

A resident who lives close to Emmaus High School gave a personal appeal, highlighting the increased student parking on the streets near his house, specifically Walnut Street. The residents are extremely concerned about traffic congestion, loud music in the morning and an inability to receive deliveries or pull their cars out of their driveway. Additionally, the congestion has caused an issue with leaf collection and leaf piles have piled high.

He requested one-hour parking signs be placed on their street as well.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe said he believes the street was missed and they will put this on the upcoming docket for public safety to discuss at the Nov. 13 public safety committee meeting.

In the community minute, Pepe thanked everyone for their help with the Halloween parade and was very excited about the success of the event. He said it was very well attended and was happy to see the participation of borough residents.

In a unanimous vote, council approved the bid for repairs to the fire training grounds, including work on the training building and fire tower. The project is intended to improve safety and extend the life of these critical facilities for local first responders. Two grants were received to fund the project fully.

Council members also granted Bethesda Church LV’s request for a special event permit. The event is called a Musical Event: Reaching the Youth and is to be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26. The event will be held at the Emmaus Triangle and will consist of music, dancing, handing out literature, candy bags, coffee and prayer.

In unfinished business, Ordinance No. 1271, was given final approval after its second reading. The ordinance amends the borough code to add a designated residential disabled parking space in front of 221 Ridge St.

Several council committees provided updates during the meeting.

There were no action items in the public works or health, sanitation and codes reports. In the parks and recreation report, council approved an agreement with the Emmaus Youth Association to lease a building for a EYA training facility at the South Fourth Street Fields, further supporting youth activities and sports in the community.

In general administration, a presentation was given by the Westrum Development Company, regarding their Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance application for 300 Furnace St. They are looking to upgrade the property from an abandoned foundry into residential apartments consisting of 144 units over four buildings. LERTA will provide tax relief for the development of the property. The redevelopment costs of this contaminated site have left the building abandoned for decades.

Council unanimously approved Westrum’s LERTA application for the redevelopment of the property. “This is a huge win for the borough,” Councilman Nathan Brown said. “People wonder why developers need a tax break, but with the cleanup and environmental work needed, this presentation gives a great understating of the cost of redevelopment. We’ve been looking to develop this property for decades and decades.”

During the budget and finance report, the third-quarter budget performance report was reviewed and Resolution 2024-27, approving the bill list, passed. In community relations, planning and development, council appointed Jonas Arguello-Delgado to the Emmaus Arts Commission for a three-year term expiring in February 2027. The commission plays a vital role in promoting local arts and cultural events.

In the borough manager’s report, Kevin Fanish was officially promoted to the rank of firefighter specialist. “It’s nice to see our firefighters continue to grow in their profession,” Pepe said. Additionally, Pepe reminded council about the upcoming budget approval and to read through everything in their budget drafts.

Following this, the meeting was adjourned. The next council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4.