Northampton Police Department’s request to establish a vehicle impound area for cars, SUVs and trucks taken in to custody by police for the further investigation was approved by Northampton Borough Council at the July 2 meeting, held at the municipal building.

The impound lot will be located at the rear of the borough fire department station on Lerchenmiller Drive. Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said the impound lot will be fenced and lighted with surveillance cameras.

Councilman Robert McHale asked whether there will be fees charged for the storage of the vehicles before they are released, but this is not yet ascertained.

Vehicles taken by police for further inspection include those that may have been damaged by fire, involved in drug use by its occupants or other criminal matters. Force One, the borough’s tow operator, will pick up vehicles as asked by police and take them to the impound lot.

In other news, Brobst reported businesses closed during the coronavirus can contact the borough hall to pick up packets of materials, such as hand sanitizer, gloves, masks and more, free of charge. Northampton County provided the items to the borough.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. complained of the large numbers of out-of-state residents coming to picnic at Canal Street Park on weekends. Lopsonzski noted some groups have been leaving the area a mess. He said dirty diapers, beer cans and other trash have reportedly been left throughout the picnic area on the north side of the park, across from the Hungarian Hall.

Council was informed people coming to picnic at the park include those from New Jersey, New York and other out-of-state places as evidenced by license plates. The borough has regulations regarding the use of the park and does not charge a fee to the public.