Business News

Northampton County's controller told members of the County Council Wednesday that Hotel Bethlehem underreported revenues and underpaid hotel room taxes owed to the county over the past two years.

The Small Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses with Excellence in Business Awards on Wednesday at Northampton Country Club.

Few, if any, bridges in Pennsylvania insulate the steel beams in their decks, PennDOT Deputy Secretary Mike Rebert said Wednesday. High-intensity fires capable of destabilizing those bridges are rare, but do happen.

Democrats in Pennsylvania are optimistic that Republicans will finally agree to raise the state's minimum wage after years of debate. A Republican member of the state Senate's leadership team is leading a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour, providing hope for a resolution, although challenges remain in the GOP-controlled state Senate.

Cold Nose Lodge, which opened in October 2008, is expanding its location in Alburtis. They'll hold a groundbreaking party on June 26 at the facility.

The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission recommended approval for the nearly 59-acre Lehigh Valley Town Center project, including its TopGolf component. Township commissioners could give the green light at their July meeting.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors reported home sales dropped 22% in May — normally a busy season. Increased interest rates and tight inventory in Lehigh and Northampton counties were driving the figures, according to GLVR.

A developer is seeking approval for an 868-unit self-storage facility on Hanover Avenue on Allentown's East Side, but the official notice for a zoning hearing advertised 749 units.

The Lehigh County District Attorney's office brought a successful lawsuit against Lowhill Township, arguing they unlawfully appointed supervisor Curtis Dietrich.

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley raised a record $22.6 million in the campaign that ended earlier this year. It supports programs and agencies in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.

The resort in Pocono Township, Monroe County, underwent a $125 million renovation and expansion — its biggest improvement project since opening 18 years ago.

A new Sheetz at 2901 Lehigh St. is set to open on Saturday, Aug. 12. On the following Monday, Aug. 14, the store will host a grand opening event where customers can get free coffee and have a chance to win prizes.

The final plan for Timberidge Luxury Apartments on Levans Road was approved by North Whitehall's Board of Supervisors Monday.

National Health Centers Week raises awareness about federally qualified community health centers. Those in the Lehigh Valley are marking the occasion with events.

Restaurant chain The Cheesecake Factory has posted job listings for a restaurant and kitchen managers at its first Lehigh Valley location on the official website.

Dominic Germano is selling a 50% stake in Telfair Inc., which owns MainGate Night Club and two other properties at the corner of 17th and Liberty streets in Allentown.

Conditional-use approval is being requested for a 116-unit, age-restricted special care residential community on Rural Road in Whitehall Township. The 55-and-over community would consist of single-family attached and detached dwellings.

Northampton County officials said the survey results, shared at a county council committee meeting Thursday night, will help guide hands-on plans to improve internet access.

The City Center Investment Corp.-led "Northridge" development, situated on 195 acres of land between River Drive and Hanover Ave in Allentown is proposed to include a variety of different housing builds as well as separate healthcare, educational and retail buildings.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Lower Macungie Township in a busy meeting granted approval to the Raising Cane's fast food restaurant, a mixed use apartment and office complex, and additional street lights in addition to the massive Lehigh Valley Town Center project.

The former Dixie Cup plant in Wilson Borough is on track to become a new mixed-use development, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said Thursday. The county may help fund the project.