Lehighton has shelved the adoption of a new sidewalk ordinance for the time being.

By a unanimous measure, borough council on Monday agreed to table the adoption of an ordinance that pertains to the construction and maintenance of sidewalks in the borough.Councilman Scott Rehrig suggested that council table the matter to allow for more input to be given to borough solicitor Jim Nanovic.Council's decision came after it heard from guest speaker Matthew Marks, Government Affairs Director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors.Last month, Marks visited with council, at which time he asked it to hold off on adopting a new ordinance until more research could be done.Lee Getz, who lives at 27 Stedman Ave., voiced his opinion on the matter."What are you going to do with dead-end roads? Are you going to require people to put sidewalks and curbing in?" he asked.While he understands the borough is trying to do good by the people of the borough, Getz said there are a lot of things that must be considered.Per the borough's current sidewalk ordinance, every owner of property in the borough must, on 30 days' written notice from the council or borough manager, construct a sidewalk and curb in front of or alongside such property.The last time the ordinance was amended was 1997, which is why the borough is looking to update and enforce a newer ordinance.After the meeting, borough manager Nicole Beckett said, "We have not issued any notice to property owners to construct a sidewalk since I have been here. We do require anyone who is placing new sidewalks to follow the line and grade requirements along with compliance with specifications, which is within the ordinance."Council has been emphasizing the need for sidewalks within the borough for safety of pedestrians," Beckett said.If adopted, the new ordinance would require owners of certain property, who enter into a sales agreement or sell property, to first provide the buyer with a certificate obtained from the borough disclosing the existence of any noncompliance with the borough sidewalk ordinance; establish procedures for inspections, reinspections and certification of property associated with a sale authorizing fees for inspections, certifications and appeals; and prescribe penalties for violations.The ordinance is intended to require property owners who offer their property for sale to notify purchasers of the condition of their sidewalks and compliance with the borough ordinance.Before entering into an agreement of sale, an owner shall obtain a certificate from the zoning officer, who would issue a statement as to whether or not the sidewalks have been constructed and maintained in accordance with the borough ordinance.