A large Airbnb party that drew more than 200 people and police from multiple departments dominated discussion at the recent Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors meeting, as officials considered new steps to curb illegal short-term rentals.

Acting Officer in Charge Sgt. John Henry reported that officers responded to a huge gathering Sept. 27 at 631 Bishops Place, advertised on Instagram as featuring “the hottest DJs in New York” with discounted admission for users who shared the post.

“The party was supposed to be a small gathering,” Henry said, quoting renter Jim Diamond. “Instead, it turned into an event with noise, speeding, trespassing and underage drinking.”

Police from Slatington, Walnutport and Moore Township were called to assist. The party ended around 2 a.m.

Several residents attended the meeting, sharing screenshots from social media and voicing fears that more such events could follow.

Township solicitor David Backenstoe said the supervisors could meet with the property owner to discuss compliance and explore legal options.

“She has a vested right to rent the property,” Backenstoe said, “but not to torture the neighbors.”

He added that while some short-term rentals were grandfathered in under old zoning rules, the township’s current ordinance prohibits them in most residential zones. Supervisor Cindy Miller said she recently learned of two more unpermitted Airbnbs. “I’ll work with our new zoning officer to address it,” she said.

Other business

• Recreation: Sandy Hopkins said the township’s tree lighting ceremony is “coming together nicely.”

• The board approved $5,700 for three park gates — two at Danielsville Park and one at Berlinsville Park — and President Mike Jones volunteered to replace weatherstripping at Berlinsville Park.

• Public Works Director Frank Zamadics said about 10 days of roadwork remain before leaf season begins. He received approval to spend $500 on 16 spruce trees to replace dead ones around the maintenance building.

• Permits, personnel: Township Manager Alice Rehrig reported 21 permits issued in September. The board appointed Roxanne Colfer as zoning officer effective Oct. 20.

• The Lehigh Township Fire Department handled 140 calls in the last quarter — 60 EMS and 80 fire-related. The new ladder truck remains on schedule, and firefighters recently led fire prevention programs for 700 township children.

• No Municipal Authority representative attended the meeting. Supervisor Janet Sheats will now attend their monthly sessions.

• The board declined a request from St. Nicholas Catholic Church to donate a memorial paver honoring the late Sgt. Mike McGonigle, citing rules against using taxpayer money for private memorials. “We can’t start a precedent,” Sheats said.

• Indianland Cemetery Association Treasurer Diane Dieter questioned why the nonprofit must pay the township fire tax. Supervisors said exemptions can’t be granted selectively. “The fire station pays it, too — it benefits everyone,” Fire Commissioner Rick Hildebrand noted. Dieter said the association may “take it to the next level.”