Northampton County to consider $63.5 million bond issue, Pride Month resolution Thursday | Lehigh Valley Regional News

The Northampton County Council on Thursday will consider a proposed bond sale for up to $63.5 million that would finance a new parking garage and office building at the Easton Government Center.

A new three-story building would allow the county to move some of the courthouse staff.

If approved, “for the rest of the 21st century, no other county board or county executive will have to deal with space issues in Northampton County,” County Executive Lamont said G. McClure, to the Council in April. McClure said the old parking deck is falling apart and it’s long past time for replacement.

Fiscal Affairs Director Stephen J. Barron Jr. said the county could sell bonds without harming its Aa1 credit rating from Moody’s. In May, he said the county’s $10 billion in assessed property value supported the bonds.

Several open space issues will be examined, including trail reconstruction and tree planting.

Council will also consider a resolution in support of LBGTQ+ Pride Month.

June was recognized as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month by President Bill Clinton in 1999. This month was chosen because in 1969, riots broke out at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York, after a raid police targeting homosexuals.

The Stonewall National Monument at the site commemorates events that contributed to the gay rights movement in the United States.

The County Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 in its chambers located on the third floor of the Easton Government Center.

At 5 p.m., Council’s Energy, Environment and Land Use Planning Committee will meet. He will hear a water quality report and details on the Gall Farm Preserve in Plainfield Township.