The new upgrade of the former Tama Manufacturing building, 18th and Main streets, came before Northampton Borough Council March 7 when a few neighbors raised safety and privacy concerns.

New Jersey developer Dan Donnelly converted the Tama property, which had fallen into disrepair, into 13 apartments with extensive interior and exterior upgrades.

Margaret Korsak, in her address to council, noted her concerns regarding windows, asbestos and rubble. She also offered suggestions on how to address the issues.

“Let me be clear that I am not opposed to community improvement, and I was thrilled to hear that something was to be done with the dilapidated structure that has caused us many problems over the years,” she said. “However, it seems the improvement has been only on the side seen by the public.”

Korsak lives next door to the Tama building.

“On our side, there has been no improvement; in fact, I might say it’s just the opposite,” she said. “We now have four first-floor windows at eye level that look directly onto our porch - intrusive, to say the least.”

She also reported some of the windows on the upper floors look directly into her home as well.

She added that since the developer chose to use casements that swing out, there are now two windows that, when opened, extend past the property line and block the shared sidewalk between the buildings.

“This means that if these windows should be opened even the smallest amount, they create a hazardous situation for anyone using the walkways because of the proximity of the buildings and the fact that they have very sharp edges, easily capable of causing injury,” Korsak told council.

“They are also in violation of the easement between the building that states that at no time shall either party block access to said sidewalk. We use the rear walk to get to our off-street parking and the front to access our hose hookup,” she added.

Korsak also mentioned her concerns regarding rubble left behind the building.

“We are aware that it is laced with asbestos,” she alleged, “due to them removing the outside shingles and just throwing them to break into the pile.”

She said she spoke to the state Department of Environmental Protection, but nothing came from it.

“I didn’t come here just to point out problems. I do have some solutions in mind,” Korsak said. “Mr. Donnelly could frost the offending windows on the first floor and the two that directly look into our bedroom on the second floor.”

She noted locks could be installed on the windows that open over the property line and the rubble in the back of the property could be removed.

“If he would finish the project now, rather than later, we would be satisfied,” Korsak said.

Council President Anthony Lopsonzski Jr. assured Korsak that council will look into the concerns and return to a subsequent meeting with some feedback.