Uptick in Borough Business Permits a Good Sign, Official Says

Hellertown zoning and codes enforcement officer Kris Russo told borough council Monday that "there's definitely been an increase in [business] permits this year."

Russo said the increase would seem to be an indicator of the direction in which the local economy is heading.

In terms of the number of permits issued for new businesses in Hellertown, he said "we're already ahead of where we were [at this time] last year."

Some of the businesses that have recently opened in Hellertown include YogaMos, Kasey Lynn's and Gr8soundz.

Borough manager Cathy Kichline noted that Russo has worked to ensure 100 percent compliance with the borough's licensing requirements.

This is the first time "in a long time" that there has been 100 percent compliance, she said.

Kichline said that she too thinks the local economy is rebounding.

She cited the fact that borough revenues are exceeding expectations at this point in the year, although "not by a lot."

Photo: Businesses in the 600 block of Main Street in downtown Hellertown (Patch file photo)