In the hearing of persons present agenda item at the Northampton Borough Council meeting May 1, a Northampton resident implored council to evaluate traffic safety issues on Dewey Avenue. She noted the amount of two-way traffic, with parking on both sides of the street is too congested and unsafe.

She reported there was another car accident on Dewey Avenue near 23rd Street. The driver of the vehicle struck a larger vehicle, she said, and propelled it onto the sidewalk.

There was a police response to the scene. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The resident asked police if there would be an investigation, if it was a DUI situation and if the driver was on her phone. She said police told her no, adding the driver was able to leave the scene after police had cleared the area.

The concerned resident said Dewey Avenue needs to be made one way, with parking on one side of the street. She said she has addressed council in the past, advocating for this same Dewey Avenue one-way status.

She also reported drivers go through the stop signs and run the traffic light on Dewey Avenue.

The resident said she believes drivers are speeding on what she feels is a busy street. She said the speeding makes Dewey Avenue seem “like the Indy 500.”

In other business, a resident addressed council about the state of disrepair, overgrown weeds and trees, broken windows and cats living in the apparent unoccupied home on Washington Street. He noted he has sent several emails to the borough office without resolution.

The resident said he is reasonable and understands that things cannot be corrected immediately. Borough Manager Brian Welsko said he forwarded the resident’s emails to the borough code enforcement officer for resolution and added he would follow up on the issue.

Welsko suggested residents read the new quality-of-life ordinance that went into effect May 1. The ordinance addresses nuisance and quality-of-life issues such as high grass and weeds, including unsafe, unkempt properties, that will result in a rapid response from borough officials and increased fines to stimulate ordinance compliance.

The ordinance aims to maintain the character and well-being of the community. It addresses various aspects like noise, parking and the upkeep of property with specific regulations for home occupations, rental properties and nuisance vehicles.

All of council and the mayor applauded the Northampton Fire Department’s response and work during a recent fire in the Newport section of the borough. Councilmember Ronald Knopf, who represents Newport, said the rapid response by Northampton Fire Department and other area departments limited damage to two homes on Stark Street, averting what easily could have spread to more homes.

It was mentioned two families sustained the catastrophic loss of nearly everything they owned. It was reported there is a GoFundMe page to donate to the affected families or one can call the borough office to financially assist the families involved.

Council approved the bid submitted by New Enterprise Stone and Lime for road materials, pending review by the borough solicitor.

Northampton Area School District received permission to have the Northampton Fire Police assist at the district’s commencement ceremony, planned for 7:30-9 p.m. May 30 at Al Erdosy Stadium.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church received permission to hold church services at the borough’s Municipal Park both May 18 and June 22. All rental fees were waived.

Councilmember Judy Haldeman noted municipal swimming pool passes are available for purchase at the Northampton Recreation Center, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive. The pool opens June 7, and the hours are noon-7 p.m.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond said the last Northampton Fire Department breakfast for the season is set for 8-11 a.m. May 11 at the station, 4 Lerchenmiller Drive. The breakfast will have a Mother’s Day theme.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting will be 7 p.m. May 15 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com to review the meeting’s agenda and to access the meeting virtually.