Emmaus, Pennsylvania
Upcoming
Planning Commission Meetings
The commission will accept a resignation, consider a waiver request for a mini golf course at 1449 Chestnut Street, discuss a 12-unit apartment building at 37 N 2nd Street, and review an NPDES modification for The Fields at Indian Creek. They will also elect a new chairman and review bills from Hanover Engineering, ARRO Consulting, and Gross McGinley.
- Resignation of Nigel Watt from Planning Commission effective immediately
- 6-month waiver request for mini golf course at House and Barn, 1449 Chestnut Street
- Discussion of 12-unit apartment building at 37 N 2nd Street
- NPDES modification for The Fields at Indian Creek
- Election of new chairman
Zoning Hearing Board
The Zoning Hearing Board will consider an appeal from Matt Spangenberg for a variance to install a 5'4-1/2" x 24' handicap ramp within the 12-foot Right of Way at 16 S. 4th Street, in the Downtown Core District. The variance is sought from Borough Ordinance Chapter 21, Part 2, Section 21-202 regarding permanent obstructions.
- Appeal 10655 – Matt Spangenberg requests a variance for a handicap ramp within the right-of-way at 16 S. 4th Street, Emmaus.
Recent meetings
Zoning Hearing Board
The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will hear two appeals on June 24, 2026. The first seeks modification of special exception approvals to permit a 5th mid-rise apartment building with 36 units at 300 Furnace Street. The second requests a special exception to convert vacant first-floor office space into a one-bedroom apartment at 559 Chestnut Street.
- Appeal 10653: CSW Furnace Street Emmaus L.P. requests modification of special exception to build a 36-unit mid-rise apartment building at 300 Furnace Street in the Urban Edge Neighborhood District.
- Appeal 10654: BAM Management, LLC requests special exception to convert vacant first-floor office into one-bedroom residential apartment at 559 Chestnut Street in the Downtown Core District.
Borough Council Meetings
The Emmaus Borough Council will interview and appoint a new council member, swear in two police officers (Zachary Christman and Jeremy Schmick), and consider a roof replacement for the 1803 House with possible action. The agenda also includes resolutions on sewer facilities at 216 S 2nd Street and a bill list, along with several personnel actions such as hires, separations, and a promotion.
- Council candidate interviews and appointment (Item 5)
- Swearing in of police officers Zachary Christman and Jeremy Schmick (Item 4)
- 1803 House Roof Replacement presentation and possible action (Item 7.A)
- Resolution 2026-23: 216 S 2nd Street sewage facilities (Item 19.B)
- Request for release of security contingent on $6,736.74 letter of credit (Item 19.A)
Zoning Hearing Board
The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will hear one appeal at its May 27, 2026 meeting. Glen and Chris Gregory request a 6-foot variance from the required 15-foot minimum setback for a secondary street to build a 15x40-foot addition at 29 Harrison Street. The property is in the Central Residential District. The meeting is in person and via Zoom.
- Appeal 10652 by Glen and Chris Gregory for a 15x40-foot addition at 29 Harrison Street
- Request for 6-foot variance from Table 27-314, A secondary street setback requirement (15-foot minimum)
- Property located in the Central Residential (RC) District
- Hearing scheduled for May 27, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Borough Hall and via Zoom
Borough Council Meetings
The Council will review several committee reports and bid openings including an EMS billing RFP. The meeting includes discussions on staff resignations and requests for commission reappointments.
- EMS Billing RFP bid opening
- 2026 CDBG bid opening
- Resolution 2026-20: 181-183 Ridge Street Sewage Facilities Planning Module
- Resolution 2026-21: Bill List
- Contract Caselle for utility bill mailing
Borough Council Meetings
The Emmaus Borough Council will consider a bid for a heating oil, kerosene, and fuel contract, an appeal of the Zoning Hearing Board's decision regarding 215-217 Ridge Street parking concerns, and a request to appoint a deputy tax collector. Several proclamations and committee reports are also on the agenda.
- Heating Oil, Kerosene, Unleaded Fuel, & Diesel Fuel Contract
- Request to Appoint Debra Gouldy as Deputy Tax Collector
- Appeal of Zoning Hearing Board's Decision Regarding 215-217 Ridge Street Parking Concerns
- Vacation of Perkiomen Street
- Hiring of Joseph Zientara as a Part Time Seasonal Public Works Employee and Ian Kenny as a Lifeguard
Zoning Hearing Board
The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will hear an appeal from Robert J. Weber seeking a variance to build a 40'x30' pole barn at 1490 Pennsylvania Ave. The property is in the Conservation District, and the variance is requested from Zoning Ordinance Chapter 27, Section 502 #5 on accessory structures. The board will decide on the request at the April 22, 2026 meeting.
- Appeal 10651 by Robert J. Weber for a variance to build a 40'x30' pole barn
- Property located at 1490 Pennsylvania Ave., Emmaus, in the Conservation District
- Variance sought from Z.O. Chapter 27, Section 502 #5 (Accessory Structures and Outbuildings)
- Applicant may request additional relief as deemed necessary at the hearing
- Meeting will be held in person at Borough Hall and via Zoom
Borough Council Meetings
The Emmaus Borough Council will consider several personnel actions, including the reappointment of Dustin Grim to the General Authority and Alan Sylvestre to the Recreation and Entertainment Commission, as well as the hiring of a part-time paramedic and a lifeguard. The council will also review a resolution for the bill list and receive committee reports on public works, parks, public safety, and finances.
- Reappointment of Dustin Grim to the General Authority
- Reappoint Alan Sylvestre to the Recreation and Entertainment Commission for a 3-year term expiring May 1, 2029
- Hire Scott Ringle as a part-time paramedic
- Hire Allison Fontaine as a lifeguard for the 2026 season
- Resolution 2026-18 Bill List