Lehighton borough officials remain wary that all outstanding land development items at the Lehighton Elementary Center will be addressed before the start of the new school year.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky told borough council last week that she attended a school board meeting following last month’s council meeting at which time she expressed reservations.

It was noted that the start date is Sept. 7, whereas borough council doesn’t meet again until Sept. 13.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said that council has been working with borough solicitor Jim Nanovic, and continues to monitor the situation.

After the meeting, Beckett said a response letter was received by EI Associates outlining the status of the outstanding items.

Beckett said the borough is waiting on receipt of the items.

Abelovsky announced at last month’s council meeting that the deadline for Lehighton Area School District to complete the items was June 30.

Beckett said at that time the matter goes back to 2018.

It was noted that the district requested an addendum to the land development agreement to request the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy until all requirements of the land development processes could be met.

Council granted the request, however it never received the outstanding items. However, all the interior items were in good standing with the borough codes.

The issue remains the outstanding land development items, including the required easements and as-built submissions.

Nanovic said at last month’s council meeting that the borough could take enforcement through its subdivision and land development ordinance.

Borough engineer Bruce Steigerwalt said that back when the building opened, the district was given a temporary occupancy permit.

Councilman Ryan Saunders said it’s frustrating when “somebody continues to blatantly disregard.”

Council then agreed to send a letter to the district.

In August 2018, council granted the district a temporary certification of occupancy for the then-new elementary center.

Also at that time, council approved an amendment to the land development improvement agreement that had been requested by the district.

The building serves students in grades K-5.