Business News

Easton officials announced the launch of nonprofit HOME Easton and the start of a new Landlord-Tenant Engagement Program on Wednesday, with the goal to address affordable housing and improve the rental scene in the city.

City planners meet at 5 p.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Town Hall, 10 E. Church St. The proposal for the former Wells Fargo is listed fourth on an agenda of five items.

Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.

Testimony began Monday in hearings that could decide what sort of businesses are allowed at homes throughout North Whitehall Township — and whether one resident’s long-running car repair business can keep operating.

The developer behind a proposed 37-story skyscraper in Allentown asked planning officials for another delay.

Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved a $36.7 million budget for 2026 Monday. Several residents attended the meeting to oppose the real estate tax increase, the first in the township since 2019.

The Allentown Parking Authority, state Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, and the City of Allentown have opened a request for proposals for the redevelopment of the 100 block of North Seventh Street.

Northampton County Council passed its $503 million budget for 2026 Thursday night, keeping taxes stable for the eighth year in a row.

General real estate taxes will stay flat in South Whitehall Township next year, its fire tax will rise 0.28 of a mill and residents will see a new 0.1% income tax to fund open space preservation.

The Lehigh Valley is projected to have significant increases in employment and population up to 2050.

For the first time in its 122-year history, Crayola is bringing back retired colors in a special, limited edition 8-pack this spring.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom plans to soon hire 2,000 seasonal workers for the summer 2025 season. The park will hold a virtual hiring event Feb. 15-22 to fill a variety of roles.

The first of a three-session forum to address the housing availability and affordability crisis in the Lehigh Valley was held at DeSales University on Wednesday.

The newest honeygrow location will open in Airport Shopping Center at 1872 Airport Road, Hanover Township, Lehigh County.

Palmer Township zoning officials continued their hearing on the former Crayola building at 2025 Edgewood Ave., though due to testimony from experts, the hearing will go on to March at least.

Republicans balked at Gov. Josh Shapiro's $51.4 billion budget proposal Tuesday, saying the spending patterns did not align with Pennsylvania's financial realities. Lawmakers will debate the plan and determine its outcome.

Last week, just two leases for Big Lots locations in the Lehigh Valley were listed for sale by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. Now leases for all locations in the area are for sale as the asset liquidation company enters phase two of its sales.

Volunteers and customers will see some changes to the Boutique at the Rink "effective immediately," including a new name, date and location.

Three former Public Utility Commission chairmen say PPL is changing its tune on utility-owned generation. They say the Allentown-based utility company unnecessarily wants consumers to fund its power generation venture and profits.

The aptly named Lehigh University Pub — located on the third floor of Clayton University Center, just off the Great Room — will welcome the public for the first time on Tuesday.

The Gathering Place International Ministries has been serving as a day shelter for homeless people in Bethlehem since 2020. This winter organizers are in need of coats, boots and blankets.

Souper Bowl XV, this year's edition of the annual contest hosted by ArtsQuest, named a tapioca and purple sweet potato soup the best in show.