By Christina Georgiou
More tweaks to Easton's parking laws may be on the horizon, as city council members said they will be discussing the possibility of adding changes to city ordinances at their workshop meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9.
Councilman Jeff Warren, who heads the council's public safety committee, said he'd like to discuss possibly drafting a "Lazy Double Parking" law similar to a recent ordinance enacted in Allentown.
"I think it could possibly help with some of the problems we've had," Warren said. "It could give our police another tool in the toolbox."
It was unclear if the law would apply to delivery trucks or those loading and unloading vehicles, or what the amount of any possible fine for double parking might be.
In Allentown, an additional $100 penalty is assessed for lazy parkers or operators of double-parked vehicles that are adjacent to an open public space. The Allentown law, enacted last month, also established escalating fines for repeat offenders.
Councilwoman El Warner said she'd like to discuss the possibility of adding motorcycle and scooter parking spots in Easton's Downtown district.
"I ride a scooter, and I hate to take up a whole spot," she said, adding that while many do it, parking scooters and motorcycles on the sidewalk is illegal.
Likely not on the list for the October workshop meeting is an issue brought up by Mayor Sal Panto of cars that park in the parking lot just off of South Second and Ferry streets.
Panto said a number of cars that have parked near the five-story office building next to Bank of America during off-hours have recently been towed.
He added that he feels warning signage is inadequate, and that the building's owner is using a towing company located in Forks Township that doesn't keep evening or weekend hours, meaning those whose vehicles have been towed sometimes can't get them back for days.
Panto said at least four people have complained to his office about the situation, and some were from out of town, making the problem especially inconvenient and costly.
But because the property is privately owned, there's not much the city can do about either the practice or the choice of tow company, opined city solicitor William Murphy.
"I almost want to say, when Larry Holmes comes back (and reopens his restaurant at the adjacent Ringside Pub location), I want to park on their side and get towed and see what happens," the mayor said.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Mesa Plans to Open in October
By Christina Georgiou
Easton City Council unanimously approved the transfer of a liquor license for Mesa, a new restaurant set to take the place of Mex-Tex Trio on South Third Street, Monday evening.
During a hearing for the transfer, Gretchen Longenbach, director for the city's Redevelopment Authority, said that while owner Juan Carlos Peredes had originally sought an economic development liquor license, another establishment's license had come on the market and the hearing was for the transfer of that one instead.
An economic development license has more restrictions attached to it, such as being tied to the location and cannot be sold, she noted, adding that while Pennsylvania counties can add two such liquor licenses per year, Northampton County has not added any.
Paredes said he would have been happy with either, but given the choice, chose to buy an already-existing permit.
No one from the community attended the hearing, and city council gave its approval for the transfer unanimously with little to no discussion.
Paredes said Mesa will serve "modern Mexican" and will be opening as soon as the final paperwork from the state's Liquor Control Board is complete.
"I hope to be open by the end of October," he said.
Paredes also owns Tapas on Main in Bethlehem and Pacifico Restaurant at the Promenade Shops in Upper Saucon.
Easton City Council unanimously approved the transfer of a liquor license for Mesa, a new restaurant set to take the place of Mex-Tex Trio on South Third Street, Monday evening.
During a hearing for the transfer, Gretchen Longenbach, director for the city's Redevelopment Authority, said that while owner Juan Carlos Peredes had originally sought an economic development liquor license, another establishment's license had come on the market and the hearing was for the transfer of that one instead.
An economic development license has more restrictions attached to it, such as being tied to the location and cannot be sold, she noted, adding that while Pennsylvania counties can add two such liquor licenses per year, Northampton County has not added any.
Paredes said he would have been happy with either, but given the choice, chose to buy an already-existing permit.
No one from the community attended the hearing, and city council gave its approval for the transfer unanimously with little to no discussion.
Paredes said Mesa will serve "modern Mexican" and will be opening as soon as the final paperwork from the state's Liquor Control Board is complete.
"I hope to be open by the end of October," he said.
Paredes also owns Tapas on Main in Bethlehem and Pacifico Restaurant at the Promenade Shops in Upper Saucon.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Free Training Offered to Prevent Child-Abuse
A free training course aimed at preventing child abuse and supporting families will be offered next month at the Easton Salvation Army, 1110 Northampton St.
Three "Front Porch Project" 3-hour sessions are planned for upcoming Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., on Oct. 4, 18 and 25.
Offered by Easton's Weed and Seed in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, the course will cover:
"The idea here to educate folks on how to spot signs of child abuse and neglect at the community level before it escaltes to the point that professionals need become involved," said Weed and Seed Director Laura Accetta. "The training will focus on ways that the average citizen can help to keep children safe."
The classes are open to anyone including child care professionals, but Easton residents are especially encouraged to sign up and attend, Accetta added.
"It would be super to have all residents since most professionals either have training or are familiar already with these issues," she said.
Registrants must commit to attending all three sessions, and each will receive a $25 gift card to Bottom Dollar at the end of the third session as a thanks for their participation.
Additionally, a light meal and refreshments will be served, and child care during the class sessions is available.
"The training is limited to 30, so it is first come first served," Accetta said.
St. Luke's Health Network and Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation are sponsors for the program, she added.
For more information or to register for the classes, call Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance at 800-448-4906 or contact Laura Accetta at Easton Weed and Seed at 610-438-2680.
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| Click on the poster image for a better view! |
Three "Front Porch Project" 3-hour sessions are planned for upcoming Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., on Oct. 4, 18 and 25.
Offered by Easton's Weed and Seed in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, the course will cover:
- How and when to safely respond when worried about a child in the neighborhood or a public place
- Issues affecting children and families today
- Ways to help protect all children
"The idea here to educate folks on how to spot signs of child abuse and neglect at the community level before it escaltes to the point that professionals need become involved," said Weed and Seed Director Laura Accetta. "The training will focus on ways that the average citizen can help to keep children safe."
The classes are open to anyone including child care professionals, but Easton residents are especially encouraged to sign up and attend, Accetta added.
"It would be super to have all residents since most professionals either have training or are familiar already with these issues," she said.
Registrants must commit to attending all three sessions, and each will receive a $25 gift card to Bottom Dollar at the end of the third session as a thanks for their participation.
Additionally, a light meal and refreshments will be served, and child care during the class sessions is available.
"The training is limited to 30, so it is first come first served," Accetta said.
St. Luke's Health Network and Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation are sponsors for the program, she added.
For more information or to register for the classes, call Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance at 800-448-4906 or contact Laura Accetta at Easton Weed and Seed at 610-438-2680.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Two Rivers Brewing Hopeful for October Opening
By Christina Georgiou
Necessary improvements to the stability of the eastern wall of the building that housed the former Mount Vernon Alehouse are complete, paving the way for the elevator installation, which is in progress.
"They're building the elevator now, and we get gas and electrical hook-ups next week," said co-owner Troy Reynard via email. "All three held us up."
Several local construction contractors are working daily to complete various other aspects of the new restaurant and craft brewery too. A peek inside the space late last week revealed there is still obviously much work to be done, but the project is steadily progressing.
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The former Mount Vernon Alehouse, as seen in late July.
Work on the east wall, seen left, has since been completed. |
Two Rivers Brewing hopes to be open to the public for business some time in October, after construction and code approval delays cancelled plans for a grand opening this past August.
Necessary improvements to the stability of the eastern wall of the building that housed the former Mount Vernon Alehouse are complete, paving the way for the elevator installation, which is in progress.
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Work to install the
elevator has begun. |
Several local construction contractors are working daily to complete various other aspects of the new restaurant and craft brewery too. A peek inside the space late last week revealed there is still obviously much work to be done, but the project is steadily progressing.
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| While there's obviously still a way to go, work is progressing steadily on the second floor dining areas. |
No new date has been set yet for a grand opening celebration, but it is definitely in the works.
"We are probably at the beginning of October," Reynard said optimistically.
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| Most of the work in the bar area of Two Rivers Brewing Company is complete, though draped to protect the area from being damaged during continued construction in other areas of the antique building, formerly the Mount Vernon Alehouse. |
Easton Historic District Commission Okays Crayola Plans
By Christina Georgiou
The City of Easton's Historic District Commission (HDC) unanimously approved Crayola's colorful plans for expansion Monday evening, which will change the look of the southwest quadrant of Easton's Centre Square.
A colorful new paint job is also planned for The Crayola Experience's Pine Street entrance, which will also feature company mascots, an updated and spruced up version of the box of tumbling crayons that currently exists over that entrance.
The hues all appear to be recognizably "Crayola colors," ostensibly to help the attraction be recognized for what it is from a distance.
The Crayola mascot figures are planned to grace the upper windows on the southwest quadrant as well.
If all goes as planned, the expansion should be complete by spring of 2013, Aylward said.
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| This image, submitted to Easton's Historic District Commission Monday evening, shows how The Crayola Experience plans to look by spring of 2013. |
The City of Easton's Historic District Commission (HDC) unanimously approved Crayola's colorful plans for expansion Monday evening, which will change the look of the southwest quadrant of Easton's Centre Square.
An agreement with McDonald's to vacate their mini-location on Northampton Street--a done deal just over a week ago with the restaurant's closure on Sept. 3--and the takeover of space formerly occupied by the National Canal Musuem, which relocated to the Emrick Center in Hugh Moore Park earlier this year, paved the way for the expansion, something Crayola has pressed for for some time.
The granting of a certificate of appropriateness from the city means The Crayola Experience's plans now only need approval from the city zoning board for a variance for signage, which is expected to be granted perhaps as early as next month.
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| The bridge as it appears now |
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| Crayola's submitted plans for changes to the bridge |
HDC members praised the plan, though some members, along with historic architecture consultant Christine Uhler, did ask that the iconic crayon making company reconsider its plans to paint the connecting second-story bridge a bright green to another color.
"Everything else, I think is great," said HDC member William Dohe. "It's just that one element stuck out."
However, the commission has no official say in the matters of structural paint colors in the city's Downtown Historic District. Architect David Drake, of W2A Design Group in Allentown, who presented the Crayola Experience's plans to the HDC, said the company would consider the possibility of a change.
But, Two Rivers Landing itself is not a historic structure, having been erected less than 20 years ago, in 1996, as Crayola Experience General Manager Dan Aylward pointed out.
The matter of the bridge does not seem likely to be a point of contention either, with HDC member Gary Ringhoff saying, "I'm very happy with the bridge the way it is (presented on the plans)."
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| Above, plans show how The Crayola Experience will look in the spring, while below is today's view. |
The hues all appear to be recognizably "Crayola colors," ostensibly to help the attraction be recognized for what it is from a distance.
Crayola representatives said that despite their efforts to visually "brand" their musuem, it is sometimes overlooked by visitors not familiar with Easton.
The southwest quadrant outside the Centre Square entrance is also due for changes, most notably the addition of a number of playfully placed sculptures of Crayola art products, such as markers and crayons. Their placement will also be designed to further encourage the tens of thousands of visitors each year who are already moved to record their visit with keepsake pictures.
The Crayola mascot figures are planned to grace the upper windows on the southwest quadrant as well.
If all goes as planned, the expansion should be complete by spring of 2013, Aylward said.
A grand re-opening celebration to mark the occasion is definitely planned, but no date has been set, he added.
Plan photos courtesy of The Crayola Experience.
Click on any image for a better view.
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| The view of the Two Rivers Landing site on Centre Square after the "urban renewal", in the infancy of Easton's efforts toward Downtown revitalization. |
Monday, September 10, 2012
This Week in Easton, September 10 to 13
"This Week in Easton" lists what's happening during the weekdays, from special events to who's playing to government meetings, all in one handy place. Not just in the City of Easton, but for the entire greater Easton area...Published every Monday morning!
AARP Palmer Township Area Chapter 2144 meeting: 1 p.m. Carrie, of Pennsylvania Senior Medical Patrol will present the program. $5 per year to join. Wilson Borough Community Center, 2200 Liberty Street, Wilson Borough.
Easton Historic District Commission meeting: 5:30 p.m. City Hall, sixth floor, 1 South Third St.
Wilson Borough Council meeting: 7 p.m. 2040 Hay Terrace, Wilson Borough.
Palmer Township Board of Supervisors meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.
Easton Area School Board committee meetings: 6 p.m. At Tracy Elementary School, 1243 Tatamy Road, Forks Township.
Easton City Council workshop meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, sixth floor, 1 South Third St. Cancelled
Easton Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, third floor, 1 South Third St.
Palmer Township Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the
Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.
Williams Township Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township).
Easton City Council regular meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, 6th floor, 1 South Third St.
Williams Township Board of Supervisors meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township).
Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Free. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com
Traditional Irish open jam session: 7:30 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com
Easton Health Department meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, 6th floor, 1 South Third St.
Opening Reception: 7 to 9 p.m. Earth and Atmosphere Sketches from Nature by Tom Burke. Exhibit will be on display through Dec. 15. Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. 610-253-4432 or www.nurturenaturecenter.org
Forks Township Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m. Forks Township Municipal Building, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township.
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Bring (or wear) Your Own Vinyl night: 8 p.m. to midnight. DJs Ernie and/or Will. Black & Blue, 683 Walnut St. 610-438-3604 or blackandblueeaston.com
Karaoke: 8 p.m. to midnight. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or lapazza.com
The Subtle Experience: 8 to 11 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com
Pocket Tee: 9:30 p.m. Age restricted show, no minors. Pearly Bakers, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net
Is there a community or entertainment event you'd like to see here? Are you organizing something you'd like to have posted? Did we miss something? Email us!
Monday, September 10
AARP Palmer Township Area Chapter 2144 meeting: 1 p.m. Carrie, of Pennsylvania Senior Medical Patrol will present the program. $5 per year to join. Wilson Borough Community Center, 2200 Liberty Street, Wilson Borough.
Easton Historic District Commission meeting: 5:30 p.m. City Hall, sixth floor, 1 South Third St.
Wilson Borough Council meeting: 7 p.m. 2040 Hay Terrace, Wilson Borough.
Palmer Township Board of Supervisors meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.
Tuesday, September 11
Easton Area School Board committee meetings: 6 p.m. At Tracy Elementary School, 1243 Tatamy Road, Forks Township.
Easton Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, third floor, 1 South Third St.
Palmer Township Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the
Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.
Williams Township Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township).
Wednesday, September 12
Easton City Council regular meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, 6th floor, 1 South Third St.
Williams Township Board of Supervisors meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township).
Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Free. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com
Traditional Irish open jam session: 7:30 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com
Thursday, September 13
Easton Health Department meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, 6th floor, 1 South Third St.
Opening Reception: 7 to 9 p.m. Earth and Atmosphere Sketches from Nature by Tom Burke. Exhibit will be on display through Dec. 15. Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. 610-253-4432 or www.nurturenaturecenter.org
Forks Township Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m. Forks Township Municipal Building, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township.
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Bring (or wear) Your Own Vinyl night: 8 p.m. to midnight. DJs Ernie and/or Will. Black & Blue, 683 Walnut St. 610-438-3604 or blackandblueeaston.com
Karaoke: 8 p.m. to midnight. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or lapazza.com
The Subtle Experience: 8 to 11 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com
Pocket Tee: 9:30 p.m. Age restricted show, no minors. Pearly Bakers, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net
Is there a community or entertainment event you'd like to see here? Are you organizing something you'd like to have posted? Did we miss something? Email us!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Scene in the 'Burbs: Sailing in the Clouds
opinion/editorial
By Christina Georgiou
This scene at sunset on Sunday on Corriere Road in Palmer Township was stunning enough to warrant stopping the car to capture its magnificence on camera. But an attempt to get in a little closer via the zoom lens offered a surprise.
See the "dot," just left of center? It's a person, sailing through the clouds.
Personally, I not only think they've got the right idea of what to do with a beautiful Sunday afternoon, but I'm a bit envious.
Gotta love a great zoom lens, as well as truly serendipitous moments.
If anyone knows who this might be, we'd love to hear from you. And if it's you The Easton Eccentric managed to catch on camera, please email us, as we'd be very interested in hearing about your parasailing adventures, and we think our readers would too.
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