The Northampton Zoning Hearing Board of Adjustment granted a variance to the owners of a restaurant building at East 24th Street to erect a free-standing electronic LED lighted sign at the new Palermo's Italian Grill, formerly Pappy's Pizzeria.

In borough council chambers May 9, the zoning board voted unanimously to grant the building owners, Adam Moyer and David Moyer, of Whitehall, permission to erect the first-of-its-kind electronic signage at the restaurant.

One of the conditions of granting the waiver is that the borough would be given priority to advertise any public event of their liking, borough Manager Gene Zarayko reported at the May 16 council meeting.

Testimony from the Moyers' stated the name of the restaurant will have prominent lighted lettering on the sign and below will be space for businesses in the borough to advertise their sites.

The borough will be permitted to list their events, such as holiday programs.Also, in a second case May 9, the zoning board unanimously denied an appeal for SNW Recycling owner Wayne Krapf to convert a home at 550 Howertown Road into an office.

The property is located in a CO Conservancy District.

Krapf asked that a variance be granted to him to change the use of the parcel from a single-family residence to an office and storage unit. There is a quarry on the land with water in it.

Appearing in front of council May 16, Krapf conceded he has erected a "for rent" sign at the site. He asked for council's permission to convert the structure on the land into a single residence.

The issue of ingress and egress to the property was discussed. Council took the request under advisement, noting it will render its decision in early June when council convenes.