Now that the municipal parking lot has received a fresh coat of macadam, Northampton Borough Council was told that signs indicating the lot is open to the public will be erected.

The signs will not bear ordinary lettering.

"Victor Rodite [borough planning consultant] is still working in the design of three signs that will be placed at our Center Street parking lot indicating free municipal parking. Thc signs will be extremely decorative, " borough Manager Gene Zarayko recently informed council.

The money for the signs will come from the existing CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding.

Center Street has been pivotal to the borough's Uptown Business District's success. Over the years businesses locating off Center Street include a jewelry store, pet supply stores, a state spirits store, law office and a beverage distributor.

The Center Street parking lot is also important to Main Street businesses since curb parking is limited. Patrons of the Roxy Theatre, restaurants and other shops utilize the Center Street parking area. The lot has been landscaped with trees planted in islands. A memorial to a canine was recently dedicated near Affordable Pet Center.

The parking lot is lit and during the holiday season, decorative holiday lighting was put up.

The borough continues to enhance the Uptown Business District. Currently, the borough is exploring the possibility of acquiring a vacant property off Main Street. The lot could become a farmers market and a minipark with benches where members of the public can relax and a musical venue could evolve.

New "Welcome to Northampton" decorative signs also have been installed as a project of the Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce.