Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Golf Course Staff Reclassifications and Pay Adjustments
Allentown is upgrading two key golf course jobs to higher pay scales so they can finally fill a six-month vacancy and compete with other Lehigh Valley courses. The golf course is currently bringing in revenues above target and funding its own operations.
Professional Services Procurement and Maintenance RFPs
The Redevelopment Authority scheduled reviews of properties in its inventory and updates on active RFPs for sites like 540 Hamilton Street, 725 N. 10th Street, 802 Walnut Street, and 332 Front Street.
Business License Fee Increase (Bill 65)
The city is actively auditing and pursuing remote online retailers and out-of-state corporations under economic nexus standards to collect business privilege taxes on goods delivered into Allentown.
Municipal Website Accessibility and Content Management
Residents frequently encounter outdated information, broken event calendars, and stale elected official listings on Allentown's website because responsibilities are fragmented across departments. The administration promised to staff up its communications team and centralize website oversight to fix these problems.
Promise Neighborhoods Funding Dispute
Representatives from Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley testified that their grant proposal for Allentown Works was unfairly rejected because it included participant stipends, while other funded groups were allegedly given a chance to revise their budgets. They requested an independent review and direct meetings with leadership.
Hamilton Streetscape Final Phase Improvements
The Downtown Allentown Alliance presented its progress in improving downtown vibrancy, safety perceptions, and retail activity. Council and community members discussed the need for better communication about events, public restrooms, and ensuring that downtown spaces feel welcoming to all local residents.
Paid Sick Leave Mandate (Bill 54)
A citizen initiative proposing a Paid Sick Leave Act was introduced and sent to a special meeting for review. The ordinance would require certain businesses to allocate sick time to employees to improve public health.
New Child Care Center on St. John Street
A local family child care operator is expanding to care for more children, which requires verifying that an adequate number of off-street parking spaces are available.
Group Child Care Establishment on Highland Street
A resident wants to open a group child care home for up to 12 children at her Highland Street house. Neighbors expressed worries about morning traffic, noise, and safety, but the board approved it with a sidewalk condition.
Brownfield Redevelopment at 928 American Parkway NE
The Allentown Economic Development Corporation is planning a 73,500 square-foot manufacturing building on a vacant brownfield site along the river, bringing good-paying jobs and economic activity back to the tax rolls.