Lehighton has nixed the adoption of an ordinance to regulate the construction and maintenance of sidewalks in the borough.

On a slim 4-3 vote, borough council on Monday rejected a motion to adopt the ordinance. Council members Darryl Arner, Joe Flickinger, Bessie Bauchspies and council President Grant Hunsicker were opposed. Scott Rehrig, John Kreitz and Helen Torok were in favor.Hunsicker said he voted against the measure because he still had some questions.That decision comes after council on a 4-3 vote last month agreed to re-advertise the ordinance, with Arner, Flickinger and Bauchspies opposed.Before that, council twice tabled the adoption of the ordinance about the construction and maintenance of sidewalks in the borough.Under 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.If adopted, the new ordinance would require owners who enter into a sales agreement or sell property to provide the buyer with a certificate from the borough disclosing any noncompliance with the borough sidewalk ordinance.The ordinance would establish procedures for inspections, re-inspections 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, the owner would obtain a certificate from the zoning officer about whether or not the sidewalks have been constructed and maintained in accordance with the borough ordinance.Development planAlso on Monday, council granted conditional approval to the Blakeslee Commons Land Development Plan.There are a list of conditions from the Land Development Review of the Planning Commission, as well as borough engineer Bruce Steigerwalt.The plan is for the construction of a medical facility.Traffic studyCouncil also agreed to have a traffic study done to reduce the speed limit on Lehigh Drive.The speed limit would be reduced from 25 to 15 mph.