There are changes proposed to the Pearl Street subdivision development project, namely the owner of the property. The potential shift was discussed during the June 16 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting.

The property is currently owned by Greenwood Builders LLC. The original developer for the project was TF Pearl Holdings LLC, but, in December 2024, Greenwood also took on the role of developer.

Benjamin Hoffman, of Greenwood, mentioned to council his circumstances have changed, and he is no longer able to continue with the project. Representatives from Valley Wide Homes LLC attended the meeting, asking what they need to do to take over the property and the project. They said they are not planning any changes to the project.

Borough Solicitor Chuck Smith said there are a lot of details to be worked out and recommended the potential new owners have their attorney contact Smith to ensure everything is handled properly. It was also noted the project has an easement agreement with a neighbor, so they should also be informed of the possible change in ownership.

A number of resolutions were approved, including resolution 11-2025, which allowed the borough to pursue a Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority in the amount of $246,213.70 for a park equipment upgrade.

Additionally, resolution 12-2025 approved the borough to utilize a five-year repayment plan with no interest to pay Lehigh County back for the public safety communications radio system upgrade. The county purchased new equipment for its municipalities to ensure compliance. The borough will pay back $357,499.60 over five years.

Resolution 13-2025 adopted the Lehigh Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan, and resolution 14-2025 adopted the updated borough emergency operations plan. Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart noted this is the first update to the borough emergency operations plan since 2007, and they plan to update the plan every two years moving forward.

Two ordinances were approved. Ordinance 1446 helped tie in the manager’s compensation with the borough code. This will mean they do not need to do an ordinance every time they want to set the manager’s salary.

Ordinance 1447 added two handicapped parking spots on Second Street. It was mentioned these spots may have to change after the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation work on Second Street.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick said she submitted the permit for the parking lot on Race Street and expects an answer from PennDOT in mid-July. The borough is seeking clearance to start using the lot for residents to park in before PennDOT is officially finished with the work, which is not expected until next year.

Council approved a payment certificate of $56,777.99 for the wastewater treatment plant generator project and a payment certificate for $53,318.75 for the treatment plant influent pump replacement project.

Additionally, Nedrick reported the COSTARS quote was $311,000 to replace the second trickling filter at the plant.

Regarding the Iron Works property, council President Howard Cunningham reported soil fabric and 10,000 tons of stone fill were purchased using grant funds for the site. He said they are moving forward with scoping and budgeting since the agreement of sale is finalized.

Cunningham also noted there has been a lot of speculation and misinformation circulating about the project, especially on social media. He said anyone interested in knowing more about the project is welcome to reach out to him for details. It was also noted more updates will be shared on the borough website.

It was reported there was a risk of the borough having to return COVID-19 pandemic American Rescue Plan Act funds. Eckhart and Treasurer Deanna Decker are examining past budgets to explore how that funding was used. They are looking for specific documentation about the usage of those funds.

Councilwoman Virginia Schlegel asked police Chief John Wiseman about how they are handling stray dogs in the area. He noted they received a chip reader and extra crates for the department. He said they also work with local rescues if needed.

According to Wiseman, they have a database with repeat offenders of dogs getting out or roaming loose. He also reported they are able to cite for “dogs at large” and are also implementing a charge for having to go out and pick dogs up.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas reported the borough’s summer camp program had a large turnout for its first day. She noted they are seeking volunteers to help out with the program.

Two residents approached council about a zoning issue. They said their parents’ property on West Race Street was originally zoned as commercial, but it was changed to conservation, which has made it difficult for them to do anything with the property. They asked how they can go about changing the zoning. Nicholas said she would bring the issue before the planning commission at its next meeting.

There was a brief mention that the borough’s public works department recently unionized. It was noted any further discussion of this matter should be done in executive session and not publicly.

Cunningham took time to congratulate fire Chief Rich Hertzog, who was recently promoted to lieutenant with Lehigh Valley International Airport’s aircraft rescue and firefighting department.

Schlegel, in her public utilities and works report, said she was approached by a resident who wanted to compliment a member of the public works department for his professionalism and efforts to help her. Chris Harding was lauded for his work.

Nicholas reported there are still vacancies on the code board of appeals.

The next Catasauqua Borough Council meeting is planned for 7 p.m. July 21 at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.