During the public comment period, residents expressed their concerns over traffic safety, particularly on Pennsylvania Avenue. Reverend Bruce Stevenson articulated his frustration, recounting personal experiences with vehicles being totaled and emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. He remarked, “My wife and I have had three cars hit and totaled,” urging the council to advocate for the community despite previous advice that the issue was beyond their control. Stevenson pointed out the risks to pedestrians, especially children walking to nearby pools, and warned that it was “only a matter of time” before someone was harmed. Echoing his sentiment, Marissa Figueroa shared similar experiences, stating, “we already lost three vehicles,” and stressed the importance of a painted white line to clarify the road’s single-lane nature. Both residents implored the council for immediate action, emphasizing that the proposed line would serve as a simple reminder for drivers, not an extensive budgetary demand.

Councilwoman Rachel Leon inquired about the possibility of conducting traffic studies and sought recommendations for addressing the safety issues at hand. The mayor mentioned an existing contract for a “complete streets plan” on West Broad Street, which would guide the implementation of safety measures on local roads. This plan aims to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, with a focus on balancing immediate measures with systemic changes. Despite larger projects being in development, the council acknowledged the necessity of taking immediate actions to address safety concerns, such as those on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith shared her personal connection to the issue, recounting a family experience involving traffic dangers. She questioned the hesitancy in painting white lines, similar to those on Eaton Avenue, which could improve safety. The council discussed the need for ongoing maintenance of painted lines and the urgency of addressing safety issues, with suggestions for increased police patrols as a temporary relief measure.

The meeting also addressed a financial matter: the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant application for the Martin Tower project. The council considered a resolution to authorize a grant application for $975,000 to support this redevelopment effort. The resolution was presented as a procedural step toward facilitating the project’s construction, with emphasis on its unique status as the only RACP project in the state receiving both RACP and CRIS funding. Discussion also touched on potential residential units in the area, with council members expressing hope for progress on affordable housing initiatives. The council acknowledged the need for affordable housing and expressed eagerness for the plans to materialize, with zoning allowing for high-density development.

A council member emphasized the need for a clear governance structure to prioritize community needs, citing past experiences where individual business priorities conflicted with overarching community goals. The council noted communication with the Downtown Business Association to determine their top priority, which would facilitate progress on funding for new lamp posts.

Additionally, the meeting featured proposed resolutions related to various events and projects. The council reviewed multiple event permits, including those for the 2025 Pride Party Palooza and the 2025 Juneteenth Lehigh Valley Music Festival. These permits detailed specific timeframes and locations for each event, and all resolutions passed unanimously.

The council also discussed infrastructure improvements, including agreements for drainage projects along East Avenue, with costs and completion deadlines outlined. These projects aim to address systemic issues while balancing taxpayer concerns about subsidizing property owner negligence.