Northampton Borough Council recently was advised by borough community planner Victor Rodite the borough "continues to be in the competition" for a Monroe County casino gaming grant.

If approved, the grant would be used for the proposed uptown park on Main Street and the farmers market.

Word on the borough's application for grant funding is expected shortly.

"The answer is no news so far," Rodite said. "I remain hopeful that we will be able to improve the old Kroope lot for a park and a farmers market in 2014."

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko authorized Rodite to move forward with plans for the farmers market in 2014.

Rodite said he hopes the project will move forward.

"I am making plans for the 2014 Northampton Farmers Market to be even more successful than the first outdoor market this year," Rodite said. "I believe that if we continue to make the market and park a little better each year, we should enhance our chances both of the market experience and help our uptown business be more prosperous."

Rodite said the uptown district could be turned into something bigger and better than what it was 30 to 50 years ago.

Rodite said he was told the borough's public works department could begin exploratory excavations to determine the subsurface conditions and plan for park improvement accordingly.

"I will remain hopeful and patient, good things are worth waiting for," Rodite said.