Local Drexel Grad Shares Vision for the City

Nathan Nace has a vision for the city of Easton's future.

The Wilson Area High School graduate and Marine Corps reservist just completed an architectural degree at Drexel University and put his thesis efforts to good local use—his plan of how the disused trestle and rail yard area along the Lehigh River at the South Third and Washington streets intersection could be revitalized and become a welcoming, thriving gateway to Downtown.

“I couldn't believe what he came up with,” said city planning director Becky Bradley. “His work is really wonderful.”

Nace presented his thesis project, a master plan for the site, at Wednesday's city council meeting, wowing elected officials.

The idea includes turning the trestle into a elevated pedestrian walkway, that 'honors and celebrates the history of the site,' commercial, retail and artists' space with residential apartments and lofts above, and a riverwalk along the Lehigh.

“This is a vision,” Nace said. “I took great pride in representing the city (for my thesis).”

Council members all said they were impressed with the ideas, and pointed out various features they particularly liked.

An “Easton Welcomes You” sign particularly impressed Councilman Ken Brown.

“I particularly like that touch,” Brown said.

The plans are in no way official, and in fact seem unlikely to be realized as presented because the land is owned by the railroad, which has shown no inclination to part with it.

Still, change is always possible, and Nace said he is hopeful that if revitalization efforts keep going in the city as well as they have been, “the site could one day become a reality.”

Mayor Sal Panto, agreed, saying Easton has always been a dynamic city.

“What you see today is not necssarily what you'll see tomorrow,” he said.

The plans are expected to be available for public view upon request in the city's planning department office in city hall for the next few days during regular business hours.