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Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Emmaus public meetings in 2025

30 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Wed Dec 17, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board

Zoning Board to hear parking variance request for new apartments

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will meet to consider a variance request from Matt Spangenberg. The applicant is seeking relief from zoning ordinances regarding parking placement and net increase of parking for properties at 101 N. 2nd Street and 181 Ridge Street.

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Mon Dec 15, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

Council to adopt 2026 tax levy and budget rates for Emmaus residents

The Emmaus Borough Council will vote on Ordinance 1285, which sets the 2026 property tax levy at 10.6456 mills and allocates rates to various funds. The meeting also includes second‑reading votes on Ordinances 1286 and 1287 that adjust sewer and water rates for 2026, and on Ordinances 1283 and 1284 that modify disabled‑parking signage and parking regulations. Additionally, Resolution 2025‑37 will adopt the borough’s 2026 budget. These items together determine the primary tax and service charges for residents next fiscal year.

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✓ Decided: Council approved the 2026 borough budget and related tax measures

The Emmaus Borough Council adopted the 2026 budget, approved a 10.6456‑mill tax levy, and set new sewer and water rates for fiscal year 2026. It also adopted parking ordinances for 523 Broad Street and 303 Franklin Street, approved dates for the 2026 Summer Concert Series and allowed alcohol at the Tunes on the Triangle concerts pending insurance. The council authorized payment of the December 15, 2025 bill list totaling $2,083,955.88. All motions carried with unanimous 7‑aye votes.

Thu Dec 11, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

Planning Commission reviews multiple 90‑day waivers and a new minor subdivision

The Emmaus Planning Commission will consider several 90‑day waiver requests for properties on S 2nd Street, N 2nd Street, Ridge Street, and E Harrison Street. It will also discuss the tabled mini‑golf course proposal at 1449 Chestnut Street and a NPDES permit modification for The Fields at Indian Creek. New business includes a minor subdivision application for 417 S Mountain Street. Invoices from Gross McGinley, Hanover Engineering, and Ott Consulting will be reviewed.

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Mon Dec 1, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

Council to consider FY 2026 tax levy ordinance with multiple mill rates

The Emmaus Borough Council will review several new ordinances, including a tax levy for fiscal year 2026 that sets a total rate of 10.6456 mills with specific allocations for general, fire, road, street‑light, library, and debt service funds. The council will also examine proposed changes to sewer and water rates for 2026. Additional agenda items include a presentation of the 2026 proposed budget and decisions on pending bids.

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✓ Decided: Council adopted 2026 tax levy ordinance at 10.6456 mills

The council adopted three ordinances setting tax, sewer and water rates for fiscal year 2026, each passing with six ayes. It also approved the proposed 2026 budget, authorized payment of the December 1 bill list, appointed a member to the Joint Environmental Advisory Council, and adopted a plan revision for new land development.

Wed Nov 19, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board

Board will consider a parking‑placement variance for new apartments at 101 N. 2nd St.

The Zoning Hearing Board will meet on November 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Borough Hall and via Zoom. The board will hear Appeal 10648 from Matt Spangenberg concerning properties at 101 N. 2nd Street and 181 Ridge Street in Emmaus. The applicant is requesting a variance to Z.O. table 27‑315.A for parking placement, proposing side‑yard parking for new apartments. The board will consider granting the variance and any other relief deemed necessary.

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Mon Nov 17, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

Council will consider Ordinance 1283 adding a disabled‑parking sign at 532 Broad St.

The Emmaus Borough Council will discuss and vote on two parking ordinances that add a disabled‑parking sign at 532 Broad Street and modify other parking regulations. The council will also decide on a bid for financial auditing services for fiscal years 2025‑2027. Additional items include a volunteer application to the Joint Environmental Advisory Council and a planning commission resignation.

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✓ Decided: Council adopts audit contract, parking ordinances, and denies pension COLA

The council approved a three‑year auditing services contract for 2025‑2027 and adopted two parking ordinances affecting 523 Broad St, 136 N 4th St, and 303 Franklin St. It also changed yard waste collection to twice a year, promoted Christani Arellano to lieutenant of the ambulance corps, denied a police pension cost‑of‑living adjustment, and approved the November bill list with a date correction.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

Building Board of Appeals

Board will hear appeal by 96 Mill Run Apartments on repair vs alteration.

The Borough of Emmaus Building Board of Appeals will meet on November 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at 28 South 4th St. It will consider Appeal 17 submitted by 96 Mill Run Apartments LLC for work at 280 Powdermill Lane. The design professional says the work qualifies as repairs under section 202 of the 2018 International Existing Building Code and as a Level 1 alteration. The Board will review this classification and the required affidavits from Building Code Official Eric Fuhrmann dated 10/29/25 and 11/05/25.

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Thu Nov 13, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

Planning Commission to review projects at 216 S 2nd Street and 101 N 2nd Street

The Emmaus Borough Planning Commission will discuss unfinished business regarding specific properties and a tabled mini golf course proposal. The body will also review communications regarding the Fields at Indian Creek and the Zoning Hearing Board agenda.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved multiple zoning and stormwater waivers for 216 S. 2nd St.

The commission approved waiver requests for SALDO sections 22-414.C, 22-417.L.3.b, and 424(B)2 related to the 216 S. 2nd Street apartment project, each with a 5‑aye vote. It also approved the submitted invoices for Gross McGinley, Hanover Engineering, and Ott Consulting by a 5‑0 vote. Earlier, the commission dispensed with and approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes, both by unanimous vote, and then adjourned the November 13 meeting by a 5‑0 vote.

Mon Nov 3, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

Decisions on Bids

The Emmaus Borough Council will review and decide on submitted bids. The council will also consider two event requests—Small Business Saturday by Emmaus Main Street Partners and a Christmas Eve event by Pastor Mallozzi for Triangle Park. Additional items include a resignation, a firefighter promotion, and reports from the borough engineer, solicitor, and various committees.

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✓ Decided: Council approved $851,446.08 bill list payment and Small Business Saturday event

The council adopted the October 20 minutes and authorized payment of the November 3 bill list totaling $851,446.08. It approved the Small Business Saturday event for November 29 with vendor tables in Triangle Park. The council also promoted Justin Haman to Firefighter 2. All motions passed with 7 ayes.

Mon Oct 20, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

Emmaus Council to discuss budget, lighting plans, and library board appointment

The Emmaus Borough Council will review the third quarter budget performance, consider a lighting plan for Parkside at North, and appoint a member to the Library Board. The meeting also includes committee reports and the reading of council minutes.

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✓ Decided: Council approved removal of two streetlights from Parkside development

The council amended Resolution 2020‑10 to eliminate two streetlights at the Parkside at North Street townhouses, pending an updated plan filed with Lehigh County. It also adopted Resolution 2025‑31 to pay $1,128,450.36 for the October 20 bill list, appointed Charlotte Gross to the public library board, and adopted the October 6 meeting minutes.

Thu Oct 9, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

Planning Commission to consider 10‑unit apartment development at 216 S 2nd St

The commission will review several pending land‑development proposals, including a 10‑unit apartment at 216 S 2nd St, a 90‑day waiver for apartments at 318 E Harrison St, and a waiver for a miniature‑golf project at 1449 Chestnut St. New business includes a lot‑line adjustment for 101 N 2nd St and a land‑development proposal for 183 Ridge St. The meeting also includes a review of Ott Consulting invoices.

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✓ Decided: Multiple housing development items were tabled, delaying further action.

The commission approved dispensing with the reading of the September 11, 2025 minutes and then approved those minutes, each vote 6‑0. The 216 S. 2nd Street 10‑unit apartment project and the 101 N 2nd Street lot‑line adjustment/183 Ridge Street apartment project were both tabled for further clarification. The commission approved the Hanover Engineering and Ott Consulting invoices, voting 6‑0. The meeting was adjourned by a 6‑0 vote.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

Council to consider a plan revision for new land development at 306 Broad Street

The Emmaus Borough Council will discuss several items, including decisions on bids and reports from the borough engineer and solicitor. The council will consider two land‑development resolutions: a plan revision for 306 Broad Street and a conditional lot‑line adjustment for parcels at 130 and 132 South 6th Street. The meeting also includes hiring actions for police officer(s) and a part‑time EMT, as well as routine committee and board reports.

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✓ Decided: Council approved two contingent police officer hires and several land‑development resolutions

The council adopted two resolutions revising land development plans for 306 Broad Street and for parcels on South 6th Street. It extended contingent full‑time offers to Jeremy Schmick and Zachary Christman as police officers. A budget resolution authorizing $1,631,982.11 in payments was adopted, and several municipal vehicle sales were approved.

Wed Sep 24, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board

Zoning Board will hear two variance appeals for yard setbacks

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will meet on September 24, 2025 to consider two variance requests. One appeal from 301 Franklin Street seeks a 36‑foot and a 22‑foot rear‑yard setback variance for an addition in the Urban Core Neighborhood (UCN) district. The second appeal from 306 Alpine Street requests a 7‑foot side‑yard setback variance to build a 26 ft × 26 ft garage in the Central Residential (RC) district. The board will decide whether to grant the requested reliefs.

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✓ Decided: Zoning Board granted rear yard setback variances for 301 Franklin St

The Zoning Hearing Board voted 2-1 to grant a 36-foot and 22-foot rear‑yard setback variance for 301 Franklin Street. The board voted 3-0 to approve a 7-foot side‑yard setback variance for 306 Alpine Street. Both decisions were recorded on September 24, 2025.

Mon Sep 15, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

Council to vote on Ordinance 1282 changing disabled parking at Jubilee and Evergreen

The Emmaus Borough Council will hold a second reading of Ordinance No. 1282, which amends the borough code regarding disabled parking spaces on Jubilee and Evergreen Streets. Council members will also consider pending bid proposals and a recommendation to hire part‑time EMT Cheryl Smith. Additional items include a resignation from the Library Board and the mayor’s third‑quarter report.

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✓ Decided: Council adopted Ordinance 1282 changing disabled parking spaces on two streets

The council approved Ordinance 1282, which removes a residential disabled parking sign at 572 Jubilee Street and converts a reserved space at 902 Evergreen Street to a public disabled parking space. They also adopted Resolution 2025‑27 to pay the September 15 bill list totaling $368,462.25, approved police and employee pension MMOs, and adopted a new procurement and purchasing policy. All motions passed unanimously with six ayes.

Thu Sep 11, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

Planning Commission to review invoices and unfinished business

The Emmaus Planning Commission will review invoices from Hanover Engineering and Norris McLaughlin and address unfinished business regarding a lot line adjustment at 130 S 6th Street.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommended Borough Council approve 130 S. 6th St plans with conditions

The commission approved the 130 S. 6th St lot‑line adjustment plan as Preliminary/Final and approved related waiver requests, all by unanimous 5‑0 votes. It then recommended that Borough Council approve the plans with specific easement and restrictive‑covenant conditions. The commission also approved submitted engineering bills and adjourned the meeting.

Tue Sep 2, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council adopted an Official Sewage Facilities Plan for Emmaus

The council voted 6‑aye to adopt Resolution 2025‑25, an Official Sewage Facilities Plan. It also approved the 2025 financial statements and the September 2 bill list totaling $1,229,273.02, each by a 6‑aye vote. Additionally, the council advanced Charles Wesch to a Class 3 public works employee with a 6‑aye vote.

Wed Aug 27, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board

✓ Decided: Board grants special exception and size variance for 314 East Harrison St

The Zoning Hearing Board voted 3‑0 to grant a Special Exception and a 100 sq ft size variance for converting the storefront at 314 East Harrison Street into residential living space. The applicant, Gabriel Josephs, said the apartment will be about 400 sq ft, have its own kitchen and bathroom, and provide 10 rear parking spaces. The board confirmed the parking meets requirements and noted the district’s minimum apartment size is 500 sq ft, which the applicant will exceed via the variance.

Mon Aug 18, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council approved $684,848.01 general obligation note to increase borough indebtedness

The council adopted Ordinance 1281, issuing a $684,848.01 general obligation note, with a unanimous 6‑aye vote. It also approved Ordinances 1280 and 1282, modifying residential disabled parking signs, each passing with six ayes. Additionally, Resolution 2025‑24 authorizing payment of the August 18 bill list totaling $1,755,959.00 was adopted unanimously.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

✓ Decided: Commission voted 5-0 to table the House & Barn miniature golf project

The Planning Commission dispensed with reading the June 12 minutes and approved them, both by a 5‑0 vote. It voted 5‑0 to table the House & Barn miniature golf course proposal at 1449 Chestnut Street. The commission also approved all submitted invoices with a 5‑0 vote. No final actions were taken on the other development applications pending further information.

Wed Jul 23, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board

✓ Decided: Board denies front‑driveway variance and reinstates prior addition exception

The Zoning Hearing Board voted 3‑0 to reinstate a prior special‑exception for 210 E. Harrison St. with a condition to submit a new parking plan. It also voted 3‑0 to grant a 5‑foot side‑yard setback variance and middle‑parking for a garage at 519 S. 7th St., and a 13‑foot rear‑yard setback variance for an addition at 947 Buttonwood St. Finally, the Board voted 3‑0 to deny a variance for a front driveway at 41 S. 2nd St.

Mon Jul 21, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council approved $684,848.01 general obligation note, raising borough debt

The Emmaus Borough Council adopted several ordinances and resolutions, most notably a $684,848.01 general obligation note that increases the borough’s indebtedness. All motions were approved with unanimous 7‑aye votes.

Mon Jun 16, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council approved parking ordinance changes and $1.4 M bill payments

The council adopted Ordinance 1278 amending parking regulations and Ordinance 1279 revising civil service rules, each with unanimous approval. It authorized payment of the June bill list totaling $1,421,358.41 and set the Cyclocross event fee at $1,100. Additional approvals included purchases for police equipment and the Power DMS platform.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved lot line adjustment for Main St. and Garden Court

The commission approved the May 12, 2025 meeting minutes and the related invoices without opposition. It approved the lot line adjustment for 160‑162 Main Street and 102 Garden Court, requiring the existing easement to be vacated and a new 2‑foot easement to be approved by borough staff. The meeting was then adjourned.

Mon May 19, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council approved $611,531.55 sewer manhole rehabilitation contract

The council awarded the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Project to Environmental Service Corp. of PA for $611,531.55. It also approved an Arts Commission mural design pending revisions, adopted a new parking ordinance, retained Officer Tyler Wiik, adopted a hazard‑mitigation resolution, authorized payment of the May 19 bill list, and hired UCS Holdings to audit major healthcare claims.

Thu May 8, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

✓ Decided: Planning Commission declined to issue a formal recommendation on the Act 537 Plan

The commission decided it will not issue a formal recommendation on the Act 537 Plan, leaving the decision to Borough Council. It unanimously approved the Hanover Engineering, Norris McLaughlin, and Ott Engineering invoices. The meeting also approved the April 10 minutes and adjourned with a 6‑0 vote.

Mon May 5, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council conditionally approved revised development plan for 306 Broad Street

The council voted 6-0 to adopt Resolution 2025‑14, conditionally approving the revised land development plan for 306 Broad Street, increasing density from 6 to 12 units. It also approved Resolution 2025‑15, authorizing payment of the May 5 bill list totaling $597,797.35. Additional motions to adopt the April 21 minutes, grant two 5‑minute extensions for a personal appeal, and adjourn the meeting all passed unanimously.

Wed Apr 23, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board

✓ Decided: Board denied the requested variances and special exception for 311 Minor Street

The Zoning Hearing Board appointed Ted Iobst as Chairman with three ayes. The board also retained Corkery & Almonti as its solicitor, again with three ayes. A request for a continuance was denied by a 3‑0 vote. The board subsequently denied the lot‑area variance, front‑yard setback variance, and special exception by a 3‑0 vote.

Mon Apr 21, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council approved $752,067 payment of April bill list

The council adopted the April 7, 2025, meeting minutes. It approved a $752,067 payment of the April bill list through Resolution 2025‑13. The council also approved the Deca event reschedule, reappointed two planning commissioners, and authorized a vendor agreement for Sugar Cycle LLC.

Thu Apr 10, 2025

Planning Commission Meetings

✓ Decided: Commission recommended amended 306 Broad Street development plan

The Planning Commission approved the recommendation to amend the 306 Broad Street land development plan, subject to specific engineering and zoning conditions. It also approved the December 12, 2024 meeting minutes and the invoices from Hanover, Norris McGlaughlin, and Ott Engineering. All motions passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

Mon Apr 7, 2025

Borough Council Meetings

✓ Decided: Council approved $12M PENNVEST funding and loan for PFAS water treatment

The council adopted Resolution 2025‑11, authorizing up to $2,048,745 in principal funding and a $9,731,255 forgiveness loan from PENNVEST for PFAS treatment at well 1. It also awarded the 2025 CDBG ADA Project to Zgura’s Concrete Services Inc. and approved several other items including a vacancy‑board appointment, a veterans memorial event, a security reduction at the Emmaus Commerce Center, acquisition of EMS radios, and payment of the April bill list.