To help improve safety, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has agreed to a request by the borough of Hellertown to have the speed limit reduced on Easton Road between High Street and Cherry Lane, Borough Manager Cathy Kichline announced Aug. 1.

Speaking at a Hellertown Borough Council meeting, Kichline said the speed limit on that section of the two-lane state road will be reduced from 35mph to 25mph once council adopts an ordinance approving the reduction.

The recent installation of a stop sign at Cherry Lane and Easton Road was cited as one reason for the need to reduce speed in the area.

Kichline said she had already received instructions from PennDOT on the implementation of the change in speed limit, and added that the proposed ordinance legalizing it will be advertised.

In other business, Kichline announced that the Aug. 9 meeting of the Hellertown Planning Commission will be a joint meeting with borough council.

Following the planning commission's regular agenda, council members and planners will review proposed zoning amendments and a report on sustainable development.

"It ought to be a very informational session," Kichline said.

The public meeting will be held at 7pm in Borough Hall.