Catasauqua Borough Council took another step in its effort to redevelop the borough’s business district. On Aug. 1, the council approved a new zoning designation dubbed the Waterfront District. The new designation trumps all other zoning classifications in the Iron Works project along Front Street. The new zoning designation is a result of intensive effort on the part of the planning and zoning committee and the solicitor.

“We allowed a lot of latitude in the district and are willing to look at most reasonable proposals to develop the remaining land on the Iron Works site,” Councilwoman Christine Weaver said.

The borough broke ground on the municipal complex that will occupy the north end of the property.

In the table of permitted uses issued with the ordinance, the uses are classified as Mixed-Use and Uses Accessory to Mixed Use Development. All other uses are excluded.

In addition to the new municipal complex, the borough is looking for “a revitalization of the entire community” from the Iron Works project.

One objective of the zoning is to promote strong pedestrian use of trails along the Lehigh River and the Lehigh Canal. The borough defines mixed use as residential and office uses located above and adjacent to ground-floor retail, office and service uses.

The ordinance hints at reuse of existing structures, although the property at 404 Front St. is demolished to provide an entrance to the Iron Works project at Bridge Street. There are other historically significant structures on the property, including the old railroad depot, which some envision as a destination entertainment facility.

The ordinance hints at resurrecting Front Street as a two-way street to serve as the main traffic corridor.

The 26 permitted uses range from apartments to restaurants and personal service establishments. Industrial uses are not permitted. The council indicated in the ordinance it is willing to make accommodations to developers with an interest in the property, including adjustments to density calculations.

There is a master plan for the property, developed by Spillman Farmer Architects.

“We are not bound to the master plan, but it does give a clear vision as to what we want to see at the property,” Weaver said.

According to Weaver, the borough is looking for one developer for the remaining acreage on the site.

“It would be beneficial for us to have one developer and let him section off parcels to others,” she said after the meeting. “I can assure you that we will review all requests, so we can get something that is best for the borough and meets our goal for revitalizing our downtown area.”