Lehighton wants to make it easier for prospective proprietors to open businesses in the heart of its downtown area.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said at last week’s borough council meeting that she and borough Manager Dane DeWire attended the Feb. 29 meeting of the Lehighton Area Merchants Association.

Tina Henninger, secretary/treasurer for the merchants, said they would like to get a list from a Realtor in the downtown of all the empty storefronts that are for sale/for rent.

From there, Henninger said they would go out and actively recruit businesses by first starting on Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard, First Street and Second Street.

Abelovsky said that potential business owners all seem to feel like the borough’s process for zoning is strict, which she believes causes people to be hesitant.

The majority of the historical buildings in the downtown cannot be retrofitted for wheelchair accessible elevators.

Councilman Ryan Saunders agreed and said he believes the borough needs to revitalize some of its zoning.

Henninger said there’s an ADA compliance exception through the compliance program in Harrisburg that takes about six months, but it’s very rare that they deny the exception.

DeWire then asked borough engineer Vanessa Nedrick if the borough is in line with other small municipalities.

Nedrick said the borough is definitely on par with other smaller municipalities.

Henninger said the biggest concerns she sees pertain to ADA compliance and stamped architectural prints.

Borough solicitor Jim Nanovic said that if the borough wishes to amend a section of the zoning ordinance, it may do so.

Councilman Steven Hawk said the borough should look for ways to lessen the zoning requirements.

DeWire then suggested possibly having the Lehighton Area Merchants Association come up with a list of obstacles that are preventing more mom and pop stores from opening up.

Saunders agreed and added he believes that would be the way to go.