EASTON, Pa. – Easton City Council adopted a proposed vehicular and pedestrian public safety plan Wednesday night at city hall.
The Safe Streets for All program was established by the federal government to pay for initiatives that will prevent or minimize roadway deaths and serious injuries. City Council members learned Easton’s version of the plan will develop a “comprehensive safety action plan that addresses all four city neighborhoods.”
One of the plan’s goals is to address the findings of the city’s Active Transportation Plan, which reviewed existing pedestrian infrastructure, as well as impediments to pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between neighborhoods and downtown. The city hopes to then acquire funding to correct and alleviate the safety issues identified in that ATP.
City Council received a presentation by Michael Baker International, a consultant hired for this project, on Sept. 24. A study showed that between 2020 and 2024 in the city, there were 1,145 total crashes. A total of 523 of those produced an injury, with 29 resulting in a serious injury and four causing deaths. About 64% of the crashes involving serious injuries occurred on state roads, while 36% happened on city-owned streets.
A further data analysis showed that Larry Holmes Drive featured two “high injury” crashes and two crashes which featured a pedestrian or a bicycle. This led to a proposal for the construction of a roundabout at Washington Street, Third Street and Larry Holmes Drive.
The public study also investigated the Old Philadelphia Road corridor, which had identical “high injury” and pedestrian or bicycle crashes compared to Larry Holmes Drive.
City officials indicated Wednesday night that plan adoption does not mean items in the plan are approved. The move allows staff to evaluate recommendations and seek implementation funding for the various safety improvements identified in the plan.
Pool renovations
City Council authorized the city’s department of community and economic development to seek funding for renovations to Heil Park Pool on Packer Street in Southside Easton.
The funding would come through Statewide Local Share Account funds. The city will seek $750,000.
Public library funds
The legislative body directed the city’s department of community and economic development to acquire money to benefit the Easton Area Public Library.
EASD acts a landlord for the library at Church Street, but one school board member questioned the funds the district puts into what he called a “money pit.”
Easton will seek Public Library Facilities Keystone Grant funds for repair to the HVAC system. The city will seek $750,00 and will be required to offer one-to-one matching funds should it receive the award. The match’s source would be in-kind via the EAPL and a pending Local Share Account award.
In a separate measure, City Council OK’d applying for a Commonwealth Local Share Account for the same purpose. The grant request is for $250,000.
The city is supporting the Easton Area School District on the request.
Hooper House
City Council authorized a funding agreement through the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation for the restoration of the historic Hooper House.
The deal stipulates that any money acquired by LVCF from an individual or corporation designated for the Hooper House will be received by the city as a grant.
Vendor changes
An ordinance implementing a vendor special events fee was introduced Wednesday night.
The legislation establishes a $50 fee for each vendor for participation in any single festival or other vending opportunity within the city for use of public space and services.
Budget reports
City Council received updates on 2026 department budgets during committee reports.
General fund revenues are up .94%, which correlates to $361,000. Real estate taxes are slated to increase as new developments and rehabilitation projects come to fruition, bringing additional residents into the city. Resident-earned income tax continues to grow due to new residents and increased wages.
Fire Chief Henry Hennings said the fire department’s expenses include durable goods with life expectancies generally of about 10 years. Rising health care costs are expected to increase about 20 percent or $185,000.
Wood Avenue warehouse
During her committee report Councilmember Crystal Rose said the Wood Avenue warehouse has two hearings scheduled for next month. The first, a special zoning hearing board meeting, will be held Dec. 1. The second, a planning commission meeting, is set for Dec. 3.