Northampton Borough Council this evening could wrap up negotiations to purchase a privately owned vacant lot in the heart of the town's uptown business district.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko confirmed the agenda for tonight's council meeting will include the proposed acquisition of the lot. It is located on Main Street, a few doors south from the Roxy Theatre and is sandwiched between a church and coffee shoppe.

"We are very close, very close, to an agreement of sale," Zarayko said.

The tract is owned by Brian Kroope, who is represented by attorney Richard Orloski Jr.

Attorney William McCarthy, borough solicitor, represents the borough in the negotiations.

The borough's intent is to have the tract converted into a mini park and possible farmers market, both considered important to the future of businesses within the uptown district.

There have been talks of providing benches on the site, a gazebo where outdoor music events could be held and a farmers market where produce and crafts could be sold.

In recent years, the borough has invested in new sidewalks, paving and Victorian-style street lights on Main Street.

Working with the Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce, the borough has placed banners on the lamp posts.

On holidays, such as Christmas, the lamp posts are adorned with holiday trim and mini light bulbs.

Earlier, the borough sent Kroope a letter stating its interest in the property, noting the tract is appraised in the mid $70,000s.

The property has been in the Kroope family for decades and once served as a cotton goods shop.

Several years ago, the structure was consumed by a fire which gutted the premises, resulting in it being demolished. There is no back access to the property.

Borough officials have remained silent on the details of any sale until confirmaton is made at a public meeting.