The homeless encampments have returned to the Weissport area, and several residents have asked the borough what can be done about it.

The latest encampment is located behind the 200 block of Franklin Street, on land owned by the borough, near or on the levee. Neighbors reported smelling something burning overnight and can’t even open their windows as a result. They also reported that those in the encampment are chopping down trees.

“They shouldn’t be on the levee at all,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Ketchledge, “especially not chopping down trees.”

In 2024, an area known as Tent City was located between Lehighton and Weissport near the Lehigh River on land owned by Carbon County. The county commissioners ordered it closed.

Other homeless encampments have popped up from time to time near Weissport, mostly on privately owned land. This is the first time it’s on borough-owned land.

“We never really had this before,” Councilman Tim Rehrig said. “Before, they were always on private property, never on borough property. Being on borough property, this has to be handled differently.”

Weissport Borough Council is looking at enacting a camping ordinance similar to one the Lehighton Borough adopted in June 2024. That ordinance was to be discussed in executive session following the borough council meeting.

In other business, Weissport Borough Council is looking to move forward with delinquent tax bills that were sent to the magistrate’s office.

There is still about $13,000 in delinquent bills to address. There were four that made payment arrangements, but 11 that did not.

Consulting with the borough’s solicitor, Greg Mousseau, about the 11 delinquent bills was discussed.

The annual Weissport Crisp Air Festival will be held Oct. 2-4 in the Weissport Borough Park. The hours are 5-10 p.m. on Oct. 2; noon to 10 p.m. on Oct. 3; and noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 4.

“We’re expecting a big turnout,” Ketchledge said. “We have 14 vendors at this time, and we have bands all weekend.”

The band scheduled for Oct. 2 will be Coal Town Blue. On Oct. 3, the entertainment will be Damian Walck, Tom Acker and Abandoned Mind. And on Oct. 4, music will be provided by 400 Dead Whiskey Stamps and Jagged Rose.

There will be basket raffles, a bounce house, crafts, and games, plus plenty of food.

More vendors are welcome to come and can contact the Weissport Event Committee on its Facebook pages for additional information.