Emmaus Borough Council passed a zoning ordinance allowing for age qualified housing in the borough at the Sept. 3 meeting.

The regular meeting was preceded by a public hearing regarding the amendment to zoning regulations.

The ordinance was a precursor to a possible community at the former Indian Creek Golf Course which sits on land located inside Emmaus, Upper Milford Township and Lower Macungie Township.

Solicitor Tom Dinkelacker emphasized this ordinance only allowed the borough to have age restricted communities. He said there would still need to be discussion and a vote to allow any specific zoning change, such as the one proposed at Indian Creek.

Council also learned of a potentially major setback for the development of the Main Street Partners building located on Main Street. Council agreed to sponsor a $500,000 RACP Grant from the state for the project but specified they did not want to be liable for the money if the grant contract was violated. They learned at the Sept. 3 meeting how the sponsorship meant it was mandatory they approve being financially liable for the project if it fails.

The building is scheduled for completion in October and the borough will have to approve backing the state grant if the developer is going to be reimbursed for 50 percent of the project, or $500,000.

The Main Street Partners proposed a change which would make the borough liable but would also include language ensuring the developer and the Partners would have to pay back any financial damages the borough would incur.

This time-sensitive topic will be discussed at a Sept. 16 budget and finance meeting and will likely be on the agenda for the next council meeting.

Council also approved an Emmaus Main Street Partners fundraiser, Bluegrass in the Park, at Emmaus Community Park 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 28.