Borough Manager Eugene Goldfeder has announced that council will vote on a resolution to sell property owned by the borough on Pearl Street.

"The property needs to be bid and there will be a provision in the resolution to allow the borough to use a professional realty marketing firm to help get the word out on the property," Goldfeder said at the Catasauqua Borough workshop session April 28.

The property can be subdivided under one option of the sale.

"But it won't be available as individual lots," added Goldfeder. The property is expected to be officially listed for sale in July to allow time to market the property to developers.

Councilwoman Christine Weaver announced that Spillman Farmer Architects, professionals contracted by the borough to provide guidance on the best use of the property on Front Street, are ready to make a public presentation. The firm met with the planning and zoning committee earlier in the month and made changes to their proposal.

The tentative date for the meeting is 6:30 p.m. May 12 at the municipal building. The date and time will be confirmed at council's regular meeting May 5.

Goldfeder reported that he met with a couple of developers who expressed interest in developing Front Street parcels that would not be used for the municipal complex. According to Goldfeder, the developers have expertise in low to moderate-income properties. "What the borough is asking for is market rate housing in the area. We will discuss options with any developer," he said.

Goldfeder indicated that he will push developers interested in the property to build out the vacant parcels based on recommendations made by Spillman Farmer.

Councilwoman Deb Mellish recommended that council include a tax abatement as part of the analysis of the project. Goldfeder said various tax abatement programs exist and he must find out the value of the projects to properly assess the impact of a tax reduction program.

Mellish countered that tax revenues need to be part of the analysis even if the final costs are an estimate.