The long-awaited and much-discussed Iron Works project took a big step forward during the April 21 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting. Council unanimously voted to approve the sale of the property to the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County.

Resolution 10-2025 approved the agreement of sale of the 326 Front St. property to RALC for $320,000. The county entity will immediately turn around and sell the property to the developer — Iron Works Development Group.

“The sale agreement marks a critical step toward restoring this historically significant location,” state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, said in an April 23 news release. “The selected developer has a proven track record in adaptive reuse, and I’m confident they’ll deliver a project that reflects the site’s potential and serves the community well.”

Council President Howard Cunningham reported they are working on purchasing construction materials before the end of the grant fund window.

Council members also approved resolution 9-2025 for a rental lease agreement with Southwark Hose Company, 344 Second St. The one-year lease is for $600, starting May 1.

Councilman Eugene Schlegel shared his disappointment he was not included in the process regarding the Southwark lease.

Resolution 8-2025 approved the borough to apply for a Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer grant for $170,831.64 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Front and Liberty streets drainage improvement project.

Council approved a number of engineering requests, including awarding the Walnut Street paving project to H&K Group. The bid amount of $160,323.60 includes the base bid and two alternate bids.

A change order and final payment of $4,500 to Instituform Technologies was approved for the inflow and infiltration project. Engineer Vanessa Nedrick reported the extra amount was for additional cleaning and televising of the sanitary sewer at the recent sinkhole on Third Street.

Additional approvals were granted for projects at the wastewater treatment plant, including a payment certificate for $197,481.24 to Derstine Company. Electrical upgrades at the plant included an extra $7,640.87 for a new circuit breaker and a payment certificate of $161,348.38 to S.J. Thomas Company.

Nedrick noted the wastewater treatment plant work is 85% finished and should be done in the next month.

Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart requested council award Zimmerman Environmental LLC the bid for the wastewater treatment plant valve vault project. The bid, for approximately $79,743, is to replace the check and gate valves at the site.

Eckhart asked council to waive the pavilion rental fee for the Class of 1970 Friday night concert and Walt Winch basketball court dedication ceremony Aug. 22. He also asked to waive the pavilion fee for the free throw contest Aug. 23. Council approved both requests.

Eckhart reported the George Taylor House Association has identified furniture they no longer need and will be using Municibid to get rid of the extra.

Additionally, it was reported GTH is planning more than $3,000 of work to the floor in the summer kitchen. It was noted the floor has been untouched in nine years since the archaeological dig. Plans include a glassed area to look down into the dig site.

Schlegel noted he is resigning from the shade tree commission after 15 years. He also reported a replacement is needed or the organization will be disbanded.

Solicitor Chuck Smith presented council with something to consider regarding the Allen Township sanitary sewer agreement. Some of the conditions surrounding the new sewer line expansion to tie in with Allen have the township responsible for the maintenance and work on the lines. He asked if council wants Allen people working on the lines within the borough limits or if the municipalities should do the work within their own boundaries.

A resident approached council and shared his concern about the traffic light at Race and North 14th streets. He noted the traffic always backs up in that area and asked that it be looked into and addressed. Council noted Race Street is a state road, so the borough has no control or power over it. He was told he must go through Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas noted there is a planning commission meeting set for May 14 to discuss the River Central Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, she mentioned there are vacancies on the code board of appeals.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel reported the Innovative Arts Academy Charter School students will be at the municipal complex this month to decorate the windows.

Councilwoman Kim Brubaker thanked all of the volunteers who helped with the recent borough cleanup.

Council will next meet 6 p.m. May 5 for committee meetings and a workshop and 7 p.m. May 19 for the regular business meeting. Meetings are held at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.