The Easton City Council held a special symposium to discuss potential solutions to the city's infamous parking problem as they relocated to a new location.

At a parking summit, city officials greeted workers and residents and gave updates on research and reports in an effort to find solutions for the much-maligned "p-word problem." Also, they solicited suggestions from the public to enhance parking for all.

Mayor Sal Panto Jr. stated at the beginning of the meeting that rather than just listing complaints, the goal of the discussion was to explore solutions for the parking problem. Panto stated, "We have decided to ask the public that either lives downtown, owns a building downtown, or has a business downtown to share their ideas with us about potential solutions." "We are aware of the issues."

The mayor began by introducing the meeting and providing an overview of the data and existing solutions the city has looked into. A little reduction in garage charges and an increase in street meters were implemented in an attempt to promote parking in the neighborhood garages rather than on the street. Night workers, especially those in the restaurant business, were also eligible for discounts on garage usage.

Panto added, "We have a lot of individuals parking in our garages that are from [or coming to] Crayola throughout the summer," which is why the city implemented a "Crayola rate," a parking fee designed to attract guests to the Crayola Experience. "There is no difference between us going from $1 to $3 [per hour] and a Jersey coastal town that makes a lot more money from May to October than it does from October to May," Panto stated.

The mayor announced a plan to limit the number of residential units in buildings that can obtain permits for street parking. That will be especially useful once a number of apartments with hundreds of units open, he said. Panto also recognized that the low cost of passes for a provision he established in the 1980s has resulted in a preponderance of parking issues. Panto stated, "The reason we do not have street parking for the business district is because the residents are parking." "And why not, at $100 a year?

Because people are at home on weekends, which is when retailers do the best business, there is a dichotomy in downtown—not just in Easton, but in any downtown—between the business and retail districts and the neighborhoods. This dichotomy really exists. Panto then invited comments from the public.

One speaker suggested creating a "crowd calendar" that would allow locals and guests to Easton to check parking availability at different times of the day, much like those found in Disney parks. Owner of Modern Crumb Bakeshop Kathryn Gaffney made a number of recommendations, including more backing for a parking validation scheme that lowers prices for small business owners in order to target them. Additionally, daytime cheap parking passes for local employees, modeled after an evening and nighttime worker program now in place.

"My workers begin work at 4 a.m. and end at 2," Gaffney stated. "And since there are several bakeries in our community, I know I can not be the only one trying to support my staff and save them from having to take out loans from their own pockets in order to pay for their daily expenses." As Gaffney mentioned that there were traffic bottlenecks as people were leaving parking garages, Panto speculated that problems with electronic checkouts might be the cause and that it was something to look into.

"I think we do need, perhaps, a person, an attendant," said Luis Campos, the city administrator, in an attempt to speed up the procedure. Panto considered compulsory registration for all cars in the city when it was suggested that permits be needed for automobiles located in West Ward alleyways.

The West Ward may only allow residents to register two cars after that, and it will start to cost them money to attempt to dissuade those who own four or five automobiles, according to Panto. This might happen as early as next year. Parking for owner-occupied homes is available in addition to allocated meter spaces, which take up spots and are identified by a red bag that can be purchased from the city for a certain price.

Maher stated, "Just so you know, they have the red bags on there every day of the week, 24 hours a day." We are down to two parking places, as I mentioned earlier. Maher suggested that the city think about imposing restrictions on baggage. The contribution of public transit to lowering the number of cars in downtown was one of the main topics of discussion that evening.

Nick Gorski, the chairman of the Transportation Committee of the Environmental Advisory Council, talked about negotiating a plan with Lehigh and the Northampton Transportation Authority to increase the number of people visiting downtown Easton while minimizing traffic. "LANTA will be an essential collaborator in this endeavor, as they own both the drivers and—above all—the vehicles," Gorski stated.

"We can run buses more frequently if we can use the capital expenses that they have already spent and if we can obtain any cash to go toward operating costs." According to him, that might help reduce traffic even more. Panto and Councilman Frank Pintabone related tales of how Easton's once-vibrant public transportation system was an integral part of the community. They claimed that the way it is now, with the general public showing little interest, indicates a problem.

In a recent discussion with LANTA executives, Pintabone said he was informed that the company's buses operate around every 20 minutes. However, he also learned that the industry felt there was not enough demand for public transportation to warrant considering boosting traffic. "Recently, I got stuck while riding the bus," he stated. "What they said to me was simply untrue. "When it comes to extending time, their objection—which they attempt to justify—is that not enough people desire it. Their money is not worth it, and we do not have enough. Thus, we should consider attempting to establish the culture, correct?

In her speech, Councilwoman Crystal Rose emphasized the significance of pursuing public transportation as a crucial component in solving the parking issue on behalf of a number of people who were unable to attend the summit. Rose added, "I have to agree with the thoughts expressed by a few other folks who could not be here tonight.

"We really need to keep advocating for transit loops connecting different areas, even if it is beyond our control. It is quite significant, and I believe that people desire it. Additional recommendations proposed making investments in the infrastructure needed for electric car charging, which could also be used as parking spots. However, concerns about flammability in small spaces like garages have prevented the installation of these devices.

Encouraging additional grocery stores to relocate within the municipal limits, even though there is not much demand from large retailers. One or more individuals proposed that the city look into forming alliances with private companies and groups in order to lease space during off-peak hours. Panto claimed that option had been investigated in vain. A further suggestion was made to enhance the usability of the city's parking meter app, particularly with regard to extending the parking duration.

A woman complimenting the accommodations at the Fourth Street garage stated that having reserved spaces available would be helpful. That "was a terrific suggestion," according to the mayor.

Jared Mast, executive director of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, shed light on the problem of Easton Public Market employees seeking jobs. Mast recommended that the city look into a low-wage worker-focused option and investigate a "equitable structure" that would stop those workers from parking in other areas and occupying spaces.

Panto stated that public hearings would follow the review and presentation of the recommendations to city council, which is expected to happen in late September.

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At a new restaurant in Lehigh County, fans of lobster will have to wait a little while longer to savor dishes like lobster rolls, bisque, mac & cheese, and other fresh seafood delicacies.

A recent announcement on the Promenade Saucon Valley Facebook page states that the debut of Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls has been rescheduled for early 2025. The chain's first facility in Pennsylvania, the 1,500-square-foot new eatery, was initially scheduled to open in late summer.

"We have an update, and we know you are enthusiastic about Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls!" The text of the web post says. The opening was supposed to happen this summer, but due to various delays, it will instead happen in early 2025. Be sure to check back for further information. Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls, the largest brick-and-mortar franchise recognized for its decadent yet approachable seafood sourced from Maine, has announced its addition to the outdoor lifestyle shopping center located at 2845 Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township. The announcement was made in May.

Beside Slime Time, in a newly refurbished location, will sit the new restaurant. It will serve lunch and dinner every day.

According to a May news release from Jaclyn Palmeri, vice president of leasing for the retail complex, "Promenade Saucon Valley has made a number of substantial modifications in recent months, adding several new tenants, changing its name, and renovating its seating, gazebo, and signage." "We are improving the experience our guests enjoy when meeting and spending time at the center and making Promenade Saucon Valley one of the area's most desired shopping, dining, and entertainment locations with the addition of yet another popular and highly coveted new restaurant," the statement reads.

According to the statement, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls, which has more than 30 locations around the country, offers traditional New England menu dishes prepared with straightforward recipes and the best lobster flesh that is directly from Maine's waters. The connections Beck made with Maine lobstermen at this period continue to be essential to the quality of the food and the company's growth. According to Beck, Mason's founder and CEO, "Mason's is happy to dock at Promenade Saucon Valley, delivering a taste of the Northeast's famed seafood history."

"We are thrilled to be a part of this lovely town and to share our famous lobster rolls with all seafood enthusiasts, showcasing the elegance of our tastes while keeping our dishes simple."

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Moxy, the newest hotel to open in downtown Allentown, is now under construction.

The general manager of the new hotel, Adam Hluschak, remarked, "I would say close to the home stretch. "According to Hluschak, teams have been able to persevere because of the reliable weather, and the hotel is scheduled to open in the fall. On the bottom floor, we witnessed some finishing touches being added, such as the tile surrounding the main bar.

There will be an outdoor area, a study, a bar that doubles as the check-in counter, and an unnamed restaurant in the lobby. The 133 rooms in the $27 million hotel are expected to be small yet elegant and practical. It is almost like a get-together; you know they want you in the lobby and in the bar. Every time you check in at the bar, you receive a drink token. They also offer non-alcoholic beverages," Hluschak remarked.

"They call their visitors "fun-seekers.""

Moxy revealed late last week that it is looking to fill a little over 20 roles in order to get things going in a number of departments. The precise start date is still pending. "Setbacks should not occur if they maintain their current pace," Hluschak stated.

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A well-known nonprofit that builds and renovates homes for underprivileged families is almost finished building a new retail space at a notable Northampton County site.

Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley will host a grand opening celebration at 38 Main St. in Hellertown. The organization's mission is to "construct basic, quality houses for hardworking, disadvantaged families in the Lehigh Valley."

Donations will be taken Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and shopping hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Hellertown. Contributions will be taken beginning on September 10.

The Hellertown ReStore will take the place of the Neighbors Home & Garden Center, which closed in 2020 and offered plants, lawn and garden supplies, patio furniture, outdoor power equipment, and more. Originally known as Hellertown Agway, the 30-year-old borough mainstay was a home and garden center.

The former Neighbors property was acquired by Habitat Lehigh Valley in April, and according to Gina Loiacono, the nonprofit is manager of grants and community engagement, plans are to open a second ReStore there. ReStores take in donations and provide the general public housewares, décor items, and building supplies at a significant discount to their retail costs. According to the ReStore website, the proceeds are "a good deal for you, your community, and the environment," supporting the development of strength, stability, self-reliance, and shelter in local communities and around the globe.

The first Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley ReStore opened its doors in 2013 at the old Circuit City electronics store on Grape Street in Whitehall Township. While the Hellertown location is getting off the ground, that ReStore will continue to run normally. "Habitat Lehigh Valley is expanding, and we are excited to invite you to our big opening!" On the nonprofit is Facebook page, there is an announcement. "You help create strength, stability, and self-reliance via shelter right here in even MORE of the Lehigh Valley today when you give, shop, and volunteer at the ReStore stores!"

The Hellertown site is undergoing ongoing upgrades, which started in the spring. Among other upgrades, the building will have new insulation, a restained facade, a renovated covered porch, a new HVAC system, and new interior paint. In order to "beautify the property and give it excellent curb appeal," workers are also renovating the old outside garden area and installing new landscaping, according to Loiacono. "We own the farmhouse near the Main Street entry, which will function as additional office space, and the actual retail property, which consists of the main, L-shaped structure," Loiacono stated.

Additionally, the barn on the site will initially be used for storage, but in the future, we plan to turn it into a portion of the ReStore's retail area where we sell things like outdoor décor and furniture to respect the neighbors' history while still advancing our goals. One of the 1,500 American affiliates of the international nonprofit Habitat for Humanity International, which has helped more than 2 million individuals find housing in communities across the United States and the globe, is Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley. Established in 1989, Habitat Lehigh Valley unites individuals from all backgrounds to provide aid to others.

It is comprised of a volunteer board of directors, a committed paid staff, leadership committees made up of volunteers, hundreds of homebuilding volunteers, and children and parents who collaborate to help families in need of decent, affordable homes become homeowners. In addition, the organization constructs and renovates homes for low-income families in our neighborhood in collaboration with other companies, people, and religious organizations. A statement on the website of Habitat Lehigh Valley states, "Our goal is to give our families a decent home in a safe community." "Our families also contribute to neighborhood revitalization and a larger local tax base." "To offer families in need a hand up, not a hand out, and to walk alongside them as they realize the dream of home ownership" is the stated mission of Habitat for Humanity.

To help build both their own and their neighbors' homes, each Habitat family puts in 250 hours of sweat work. They begin making monthly mortgage payments as soon as they move into their new home. According to the mission statement, "HLV maintains in contact with them, mentoring them and offering support to guarantee their successful transition to house ownership because most of our families are new to home ownership." The community's growing need for Habitat Lehigh Valley's services is the primary driver behind the organization's impending expansion. Many low- to moderate-income families are now forced to choose between paying their rent and putting food on the table due to rising housing expenses, according to Loiacono.

Industrious families can build and purchase a home with a zero percent mortgage through Habitat Lehigh Valley's unique homeownership program after putting in 250 hours of sweat equity. "We need to grow in terms of the income coming into the organization so we can continue to create more homes and also really boost up our crucial home repair program," Loiacono said, "as we see the affordable housing situation continuing to reach pandemic levels." "We want people to experience the security and independence that come with owning a house. It plays a major role in our mission. Regarding our home repair program, it truly assists current homeowners with security, weatherization, and aging in place of their properties, including new doors, windows, and roofs. We have assisted close to 100 customers in the last year with property maintenance, including the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities. This has been especially helpful in low-income communities where many cannot afford to maintain their homes. To help build both their own and their neighbors' homes, each Habitat family puts in 250 hours of work. They begin making monthly mortgage payments as soon as they move into their new home.

According to the mission statement, "HLV maintains in contact with them, mentoring them and offering support to guarantee their successful transition to house ownership because most of our families are new to home ownership." The community's growing need for Habitat Lehigh Valley's services is the primary driver behind the organization's impending expansion. Many low- to moderate-income families are now forced to choose between paying their rent and putting food on the table due to rising housing expenses, according to Loiacono. Industrious families can build and purchase a home with a zero percent mortgage through Habitat Lehigh Valley's unique homeownership program after putting in 250 hours of sweat equity.

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According to Moravian University, this week marked the largest incoming class in the school's 282-year existence. 

According to school authorities, Moravian has 530 first-year students enrolled, breaking the previous record of 514 set in the fall of 2023. This autumn, Moravian also welcomed more than eighty transfer students.

Upon enrollment, first-year undergraduate students at Moravian receive an Apple Watch, an iPad, an Apple MacBook, and an Apple Pencil. 

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A restaurant that is well-known for its freshly made sushi rolls, hibachi meals, and other Japanese specialties has opened a third location in the Lehigh Valley.

The grand opening of Bang Bang Hibachi Grill & Sushi, which serves real Japanese food, took place on August 20 at 6900 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 225 in Lower Macungie Township.

Bang Bang's third regional site is a full-service restaurant situated adjacent to Dollar Tree in The Shops at Trexlertown.

November 2020 saw the opening of the first Bang Bang restaurant in the area by owner-operator Jimmy Wang in the Parkway Center, located at 1519 Lehigh St. in Allentown. In January 2022, a second store opened at 1465 W. Broad St. in Quakertown, in the Quakertown Plaza.

A selection of nigiri and sashimi, including eel, tuna, red clam, mackerel, octopus, and salmon roe, are available to patrons at the new Bang Bang restaurant in Trexlertown. Appetizers include fried or steamed pork dumplings, spicy edamame, fried crab rangoon, fried coconut shrimp, takoyaki balls, and shu mai.

There are thirty standard sushi rolls available at $4.50 to $5.95. The raw options include spicy crab, yellowtail jalapeño, Alaskan, and Philadelphia; the non-raw options are Boston, California, sweet potato, and mango.

The Trexlertown restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and 4:30-9:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays. It offers a range of dining options, including booths and low-top tables with chairs. Phone Number: 610-709-8999

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In Lehigh County, there is a new place for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine to visit: hummus, falafel, chicken shawarma, and other favorites.

Opened on August 18, Catty Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant located adjacent to Pie's on Pizzeria at 601 Front St. in Catasauqua. It serves freshly cooked Mediterranean and American meals. Owner and chef, Chadia Saloum, of Allentown creates a wide variety of made-from-scratch foods at her new cafe, which can accommodate about thirty people.

Saloum spent 17 years as a part of the Muhlenberg College culinary crew before leaving Sodexo. Saloum remarked that her long-held ambition of owning her own restaurant, where she could cook her own dishes, had come true. Saloum's spouse and kids participate in various ways at Catty Cafe, making it a family-run business.  Saloum declared, "Everything is done from scratch, with love." Catty Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It also provides catering. There is also sitting outside.

Saloum exclaimed, "I am ecstatic." The community has supported and received everything well. In the upcoming weeks, we will be adding more items to our menu.

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Salvaggio Academy has signed a multi-year lease for the 29,000 square foot building at 3145 Hamilton Blvd., which is still the museum's property, according to a news release and a school representative.

A nearby private elementary school is now occupying the former Da Vinci Science Center building on the Cedar Crest College campus. Earlier this summer, the Da Vinci Science Center relocated to a new, larger location at 815 Hamilton St.

According to Jessica Devlin, director of education at Salvaggio Academy, "our new location on a college campus is a dream come true, offering an exciting backdrop for our children to learn, play, and grow." The new structure at Salvaggio Academy will aid in housing the school's expanding student body. The student-to-teacher ratio is currently 7 to 1, with roughly 70 kids enrolled. The school can accommodate ninety students.

A recently constructed Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) lab, a music room, a gymnasium, and an outdoor play area are all features of the building. Formerly known as CAI Learning Academy, Salvaggio Academy was based at 1033 Washington St. in Allentown. In 2014, the school made its debut. Tony Salvaggio, the founder and CEO emeritus of the multinational services company CAI, established it with the goal of giving underprivileged families access to affordable education.

The five pillars of CAI's corporate social responsibility program are neurodiversity, sustainability, food accessibility, supportive families, and accessible education. Low-income families send their children in kindergarten through fifth grade to Salvaggio Academy. Students can attend for free because to scholarships that are offered. Special education is not offered at Salvaggio Academy. The main sponsors of the school are CAI and Salvaggio.

According to the press release, the school's new name, which celebrates the Salvaggio family and their dedication to education, was announced at the same time as the move to the new building.

According to Devlin's statement, "welcoming kids to their new school motivates both them and our dedicated faculty and staff, whose aim is to serve academic achievement." "We are appreciative of all of our partners who have helped us along the way, including CAI and the Salvaggio family."

On Monday, September 9, pupils will report to school.

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The SouthSide Arts District in Bethlehem is pushing art to the edge—that is, the edge of the city.

The district describes what it has done as a "Gateway sign"—"a vivid public art installation that enhances the gateway between Route 412 and SouthSide downtown"—in collaboration with the city and Wawa businesses.

Convenience store and gas station operator Wawa, located on the East Coast, has built a new project site at its new location at 770 Hellertown Road in Bethlehem.

Artists are encouraged to submit proposals for the artwork to SouthSide Arts District. September 30th is the deadline. The chosen artist is anticipated to be revealed on October 28. The installation and unveiling are scheduled for the spring of 2025. As a component of the SouthSide Arts District, images from the sculpture may also be used in promotional materials for the City of Bethlehem. $10,000 will be awarded to the chosen artist or artist collective to help with the cost of materials, insurance, and permits required for the project (building, materials, etc.). A $10,000 payment will also be made after the item is installed and finished.

The artist will construct the piece of art off-site, transport it, and then install it on the concrete pad. According to the proposal, the city will work with the artist as a partner "to provide aid, direction, and supervise the execution of the project to guarantee it is completed," in addition to handling the necessary permits and related expenditures.

The South Side Arts District, the heart of South Bethlehem's downtown, was legally established in 2015.

The district's mission is to "develop and preserve the Downtown district's lively and artistic physical assets." The application form states that providing fresh and avant-garde public art to South Bethlehem is one approach to accomplishing this goal.

A number of years ago, Bethlehem finished a thorough "wayfinding" program that included directions for cars and pedestrians as well as a strategy for "suitable entrance signpost positions." According to the application, "South Bethlehem and the SouthSide Arts District are accessible via the Route 412 corridor." "This project will involve the submission and consideration of artist proposals for gateway signs at the southern end of the Wawa area, in keeping with the Arts District's purpose of public art. "Take advantage of this opportunity to show off your skills and improve our community!"

The proposal states that the sign will be "easily viewable as an entryway sign," be installed on a 10-by-15-foot concrete platform, and not be taller than six feet. According to the project description, "the goal is to improve the gateway between the South Side downtown and the Route 412 area."

According to the statement, planned or previously built public art initiatives have the following effects:

Provide a welcoming, eye-catching, low-maintenance entrance point for south Bethlehem.

Encourage locals and visitors to explore the area

Boost pride in the community

Amplify south Bethlehem's reputation as our region's top arts district

Artists are requested to submit their work for review at:

Five pictures from your earlier creations (acceptable file types: PNG, JPG, TIFF, and PDF)

Original design drawing or conceptual design proposal

Artist Statement (no more than 200 words)

A thorough budget and list of required materials

The project's anticipated installation timeframe

A comprehensive strategy for the finished work's long-term preservation

A four-person panel consisting of the landowner, a representative from Wawa, a representative from the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission, and a competent representative of South Bethlehem will assess all applications and designs.

Based on a suggested subject, originality, inventiveness, artistic merit, utility, relevance to the installation site, public safety, durability in an outdoor environment, maintenance, and related project expenses, the panel will ultimately choose the artist.

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In the Lehigh Valley, dog owners looking for the best care possible for their pets will soon have a new place to visit.

According to franchise owner Sean Stitt, the new Scenthound Dog Grooming and Wellness Center is expected to open on September 6 at 3034 Tilghman St. Unit 13 in South Whitehall Township. The new establishment will be located in the Village West shopping district, halfway between My Salon Suite and LA Nails. With more than 250 locations operational or under development across the country, Scenthound is expected to build its first store in the Lehigh Valley at the South Whitehall property.

A statement on the company website states, "At Scenthound, we offer a quick and economical core package of services, including bathing, ear cleaning, nail cutting, and teeth brushing - the necessities for a clean and healthy dog." "Add more services as necessary, such as haircuts, blowouts, or other treatments, and establish a monthly schedule for your dog's well-being." There are three Monthly Care Club membership choices available to Scenthound clients. The service offerings are bundled "so you just pay for what you need, when you need it." Establishing and upholding a monthly schedule aids in "keeping pups clean and healthy," according to Stitt.

"We aim to make our normal membership reasonable ($39/mo) so that all dogs can get the care they need, which includes a bath, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail cutting," Stitt said. In order to support healthy dogs, Scenthound also provides dog haircuts, but it only conducts puppy cuts, or one-length cuts. According to Stitt, there is "nothing merely aesthetic," like breed-specific haircuts or color dyeing.

Scenthound collaborates with regional animal rescue groups to provide basic care for clean and healthy rescue canines through its Clean Start program. The first step in Clean Start's two-tiered approach is to give adoptable dogs free monthly services to help them become cleaned up and ready for adoption.  "We think that well-groomed dogs will have better comfort and health as well as a higher likelihood of securing a forever home," reads an online statement. Second, Clean Start offers free dog grooming services to recently adopted pets at area shelters and rescue groups. Every dog is sent to its new home with literature teaching dog parents about the value of regular care as well as a coupon good for a free wash, ear cleaning, nail trim, and teeth brushing.

Lehigh Valley Humane Society in Allentown is a potential partner for Stitt, while Scenthound Allentown has teamed with Peaceable Kingdom in Whitehall Township.

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